NELSON Mandela Bay festival organisers say they are pulling out all the stops to make sure that a R2-million music event featuring international stars next weekend is a success.

Dompas Media Production also confirmed that multi- award-winning Afro Pop singer Nhlanhla Nciza, whose daughter died in a car accident this week, would be one of the main performing artists at the three- day festival at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium from December 18 to 20.

Nciza will share the stage with international jazz stars on the final day of the festival. It will be a huge jazz event featuring Americans Christian Scott, Lizz Wright and Norman Brown as well as South African stars Feya Faku, Simphiwe Dana and Hugh Masekela.

After learning about the failure of the last concert held at the stadium, where Busta Rhymes was due to perform, Dompas Media Production marketing manager Lineo Njokweni said they were pulling out all the stops to make sure the event was a success.

“We are branding the city as well as doing some promotions to build more hype before the event. All artists have confirmed they are coming. Keri Hilson is landing in Port Elizabeth on Thursday next week and she will perform on Friday. Norman arrives on Saturday and he will be on stage on Sunday.”

Hilson, famous for the hits Knock You Down and Energy, is due to perform along with local artists like Hip Hop Pantsula, Jozi and Bricks. The Saturday event, which caters for the youth, will feature a battle of the DJs with big names like Sbu, Cleo, T’bo Touch, Fistaz Mixwell and Glen Lewis.

Municipal spokesman Kupido Baron said the municipality had partnered with the SABC to market the event on radio and TV.

“We have sponsored R2-million towards the three-day international event.”

Last month, the municipality sponsored Third World Records with R300000 for the Bay Summer Concert where Rhymes was meant to be the main act. Fewer than 500 people attended.