Ladyfest Cape Town

I met Maddy Jerry Wolmarans, band manager and party promoter when I djed for Gay Nite at Lbs and pre gig sets for the Ragdolls and Running with Scissors at Zula. Having heard about Ladyfest while living in London I was interested in her plans to organize a Cape Town Ladyfest, so I did a little interview to see what was happening...

Tell us about yourself?

I spent 2 and half years in the UK experiencing so many diverse events, festivals and gatherings. Through those experiences I grew a love for the music industry. I came back to South Africa with new goals and seeking new adventures. I did a 6-month course at Wits University in Management and Marketing of the Music Industry. I started my own company

I do websites, manage a band and act as a booking agent for a couple of other bands. I try to enjoy everything I do.

I am also an avid hula hooper, make and sell my own hoops and give Hoop Dance classes.

What is Ladyfest?

Ladyfest is a community-based, not-for-profit global music and arts festival for female artists that features bands, musical groups, performance artists, authors, spoken word and visual artists, and workshops. Volunteers organize these festivals. Ladyfests have been taking place all over the world in the past few years.

What I am aiming to do with Cape Town Ladyfest is provide a platform for South African women’s talents in music, art, comedy, photography, film, debate, written and spoken word, etc.

What inspired you to start a Cape Town Ladyfest?

There was a Ladyfest South Africa, but it was only active in Johannesburg. That festival only survived two years. Ever since I came back from the UK over 2 years ago, I’d wanted to do something like this. The structure and what Ladyfest presents just seemed like a perfect festival for Cape Town.

What have you been doing to raise funds towards our very own homegrown Ladyfest?

Been doing fund raising events at Zula Sound bar. Lady and Guitar or Lady and Band nights. Every event there’s been a Lady DJ and a Lady Comedian.

What has the response been to the Ladyfest events?

The response has been amazing, people really enjoy the night. It has been a good way of spreading the word and getting more volunteers interested in helping with the organizing of the main festival.

You are finding it difficult to find a committee and volunteers to work with towards the 2010 festival, what do you make of this apathy?

Don’t wanna judge all Capetonians, they might just prove me wrong and show that they have a sense of social responsibility.

It could be that I haven’t been in touch with enough ladies with the passion for all the arts and that have that little feminist inside wanting to be heard.

What can Cape Town audiences expect from Cape Town Ladyfest 2010?

Live Music, Comedy events. Art/photography exhibitions, Film Nights, Craft Market, Debates, Workshops.

Will this festival coincide with any or have any connecting projects to Ladyfest projects abroad?

Not at this time. Oh, All profits will be going to abused and raped women. A charity/organization must still be chosen.

So ladies don’t be lame get involved in what could be an amazing project

Contact Maddy on: info@ladyfestcapetown.co.za and watch the Ladyfest space
ladyfestcapetown.co.za
ladyfest.org
ladyfestlondon.co.uk