The opening night of Poetry Africa - with Pallo Jordan, minister for Cultuur - is presentation of all poets participating in the festival. These include the five Winternachten-participants and Izimbongi ZaseMzansi (Botsotso Mahlaba, Jessica Mbangeni, Zolani Mkiva, Joe Ntloana, Mandisa Phandliwe), Henry Bowers, Julius Chingono, Finuala Dowling, Ewok, Perpetual Eziefule-Emenekwum, Stephen Gray, The Guests (Victor Mavedzenge and Michael Kudakwashe), Kama Sywor Kamanda, Rustum Kozain, Lexikon, Mzi Mahola, Lebogang Mashile, Oliver Mtukudzi, John Matshikiza, Sally-Ann Murray, Lefifi Tladi, Mphutlane Wa Bofelo, Eduardo White, Makhosazana Xaba, Ghassan Zaqtan, Benjamin Zephaniah, Mafika Gwala en Alhaji Papa Susso (Gambia). The Surinamese/Dutch flute player Ronald Snijders will perform with Philani Ngidi (bas), Neil Gonsalves (keyboards) and Paki Peloeole (drums).