Festivals
latest news & developments
Gig Guide: The weekend is for the 12th African Women Writers’ Symposium, Mimi Mtshali to perform Khaya Lami, ICA Live Art Festival returns, Our Origin Festival 2026 and Zoë Modiga returns with When The Rain Comes
Discover South Africa's top cultural events, featuring the Our Origin Festival in the Cradle of Humankind, jazz by Mimi Mtshali, Zoë Modiga's latest music, the African Women…
Pilani Bubu is defying gravity
Award-winning musician Pilani Bubu has spent 15 years writing her own playbook. As she releases her introspective new single 'Caged Heart', she reflects on creative independence,…
Gig Guide: Sun Quintet return with Winter Sun, Olefied Khetha features Big Zulu on iStep Father Remix, 20 years of Back To The City and Vuyo Viwe is holding up a mirror of reflection
Back To The City marks 20 years with an all-star hip-hop line-up, alongside fresh releases from Sun Quintet, Olefied Khetha featuring Big Zulu, and Vuyo Viwe.
A weekend where jazz didn’t just play, but lived
The 27th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz delivered a transcendent weekend of music at the Sandton Convention Centre, bridging generations through standout international sets and an…
Three voices, one spirit: honouring Busi Mhlongo at Joy of Jazz
At the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, vocalists Zawadi Yamungu, Xolisa Dlamini, and Buhlebendalo join forces to celebrate the enduring legacy and fearless spirit of music icon Busi…
Inside Contra.Joburg’s city-wide art weekend
Contra.Joburg transformed inner-city Johannesburg into an open-access cultural hub, connecting over 170 artists across 16 creative spaces with new audiences, collectors, and…
Slum Village are heading to SA for the Back to the City International Festival
Iconic Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village is set to perform at Johannesburg's Back to the City International Festival, bringing the legendary sound of J Dilla and T3 to South…
Gig Guide: Davis Cup action, Artist Proof Studio's KZN debut and Oskido's Big Day Out lineup
This essential gig guide covers three major events in South Africa: the Davis Cup tie between South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Pretoria, Artist Proof Studio's…
As one National Arts Festival ends, the next begins
As the curtains close on another successful National Arts Festival in Makhanda, outgoing CEO Monica Newton reflects on its enduring legacy, the challenges of sustainability, and…
The National Arts Festival is alive but is South Africa listening
Despite initial quiet streets and financial pressures, the National Arts Festival in Makhanda is buzzing with activity, showcasing strong audience numbers and a significant shift…
Diary: Gregory Porter in SA; Zeitz MOCAA symposium; DJ Bob Jazz Club
Your essential dose of art and culture
Build music festivals on solid ground
Given the effect of global warming, the future of concerts isn’t speed dating but rather long-term relationships
On the difficult pandemic road
The arrival of Covid-19 exacerbated the challenges of touring for the African musician. Tseliso Monaheng explores the interrelated factors affecting music tours
Comic Con 2023 hosts a geek festival in the mother city
Cosplayers and gamers are getting hyped for the April 2023 Cape Town Comic Con event, which promises to exhibit the latest attractions in the geekdom.
No shucks given at the Knysna Oyster Festival
The world of Knysna’s shores is everyone’s oyster this week. There is something for everyone: arts; entertainment; trail running; wining and dining; and chocolate making