OFM Artbeat (Kunsteklop)

A major solo exhibition by South African artist Elias Ditaba Sewape, titled Ditaba - 80 Albert Street, is on display at the William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley and brings together an expansive body of work spanning over four decades. Chief Curator, Chepape Makgato joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to share his excitement about this truly special exhibition which is on until the 31st of July.

Oliewenhuis Art Museum presents Uhambo Lwemi Moya (The Journey of My Spirit), a solo exhibition by South African artist Quincy Mbuso Hlongwa. This exhibition presents a compelling body of figurative paintings that explore themes of identity, personal reflection, and the emotional landscapes of contemporary life. Mbuso joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about this full-circle moment for him as artist. The exhibition is on until 28 June.

Die Raad van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns het onlangs met groot genoeë die wenners van die gesogte Akademiepryse vir 2026 aan gekondig. Die Vrystaat Kunstefees het die goeie nuus gedeel dat Naòmi Morgan die SA Akademieprys vir Vertaalde Werk ontvang het vir haar vertaling van Samuel Beckett se ikoniese boek ‘Ons wag vir Godot’ wat in 2024 as produksie gedebuteer het. Naòmi het die oorspronklike teks se diepte en absurditeit met ‘n fyn balans oorgedra en die toekenning is werklik 'n besonderse prestasie. Sy sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te vertel hoe vertaling werk en wat dit vir Afrikaans beteken.

We know Nianell as an angel-voiced superstar but behind the platinum albums and bright lights, she has been walking a path of profound quite dismantling. She joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat, not to sing the songs we all know and love but to talk about the songs she has discovered in her silence. In her new book: A song that’s yet unsung, she shares a raw, multi-sensory journey through fame, heartbreak and spiritual awakening. Her book also includes 30 new songs that help tell her story.

The NWU Gallery in Potchefstroom invites you to “Fragments of what we carry” a solo exhibition by Lerato Motaung. It features various second-hand luggage pieces giving them new artistic and poetic expression. Lerato joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat and talks about memories as fragments and explains why art can take you on a journey of your own. This exhibition is on until the 24th of July.

Congratulations to Siyabonga Gans a learner in Grade 11 at St Andrews School in Bloemfontein, whose art work won a special prize at this year’s Bloem Show. His art work was on display during this year’s exhibition and the OFM Art Beat absolutely needed to find out more about this talented young man. Siyabonga joins Yolanda Maartens to talk about what art means to him and what he plans for his future.

The theatre production “Healing of Hearts”, featuring choirs, acting, mime, and dancers, is centred on delivering a message that healing is possible and available for every heart in every house, family, and community across the nations of the world. This community project involves children and adults from all over the Mangaung area and is coordinated by Creare Training Centre. Yolanda Maartens is joined by Creare Principal, Jolene du Plessis and Township Schools Coordinator, Kabelo Mokoena in the OFM Art Beat to share details about the production taking place at the Sand de Plessis theatre in Bloemfontein from 21 to 23 May. Tickets available at Webtickets.

Joining Yolanda Maartens in studio for the OFM Art Beat is conductor Dingaan Chablala, 2nd French Horn Khanya Mbenyana and 1st Violin Neo Motseki. They are excited to share details about the Free State Youth Orchestra concert on the 31st of May. They promise an afternoon of a mix of classical and contemporary sounds, so whether you love Tchaikovsky or Coldplay, there is something for everyone! Entry is free.

Die Odeion in Bloemfontein nooi jou uit na Windswept, 'n kamermusiekkonsert met twee belangrike werke in die blaasrepertorium: Beethoven se Kwintet in Es-majeur, Op. 16 en Mozart se Kwintet vir klavier en blaasinstrumente in Es-majeur. Hierdie meesterstukke is bekend vir hul elegansie, briljantheid en gehooraantrekkingskrag. Klarinetspeler Danré Strydom sluit aan by Yolanda Maartens in die OFM Kunsteklop met al die hoogtepunte van hierdie program. Moenie dit op 21 Mei by die Odeion misloop nie. Kaartjies beskikbaar by Quicket.

The Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO) invites audiences to an unforgettable evening of orchestral music titled Music Inspires Music, taking place on Saturday, 16 May 2026 at 19:30 at the Odeion in Bloemfontein. Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Alexander Walker, the orchestra will present a vibrant, stylistically diverse programme featuring celebrated Bloemfontein double bassist Ruan Baartman as soloist. Ruan joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to share his excitement about the evening’s programme. Tickets are available at Webtickets.