South Africa, in the global spotlight as venue for this year's FIFA World Cup, is also MIDEM's Country Of Honour.

The country's vibrant culture is showcased tonight in the Salan Acajou and ballroom of the Martinez, with acts including MC Mangaliso Ngeme, Tidal Waves, the Maletangwao Cultural Troupe, Zuluboy, Wouter Kellerman, and Nothembi Mkhwebane. Monday night sees a tribute to the late Miriam Makeba at a dinner in Carlton.

At 15.00 today, a panel of experts on South Africa's music industry will be Telling The South African Story.

Before that, at 11.00, Lulu Xingwana, South Africa's arts and culture minister, and her department's director general Themba Wakashe, brief the media on plans for a year of cultural festivity.

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