Saturday, August 2, 2025
South Africa’s eagerly awaited Folklore Festival is set to return for its 4th edition from September 11 to 13, 2025. This year’s theme, Kinfolk, focuses on the cultural connections that unite people. The festival aims to celebrate the preservation of African heritage, shared stories, traditions, and community-building.
As one of South Africa’s top cultural events, the Folklore Festival draws local and international visitors every year. It not only highlights music and arts but also serves as a significant tourism highlight for those wanting to explore South Africa’s rich culture. The Kinfolk theme emphasizes the importance of spiritual family, highlighting bonds formed through shared cultural practices and ancestral knowledge. In a time of global disconnection and cultural loss, the festival calls for a return to authentic connections rooted in African traditions and shared histories.
The festival promises an enriching experience for all attendees by providing a space for cultural custodians, artists, and community members to come together. Through music, dance, and storytelling, this event strengthens the connections that hold communities together. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of African culture while developing ties to the past, present, and future.
Kinfolk Theme: A Tribute to African Heritage and Community
The Kinfolk theme goes beyond family ties and showcases the collective spirit that connects people through culture and traditions. It highlights how stories, rituals, and experiences passed through generations shape both identities and communities. In a world increasingly marked by digital disconnection, the Folklore Festival reminds us of the significance of shared stories and cultural practices in preserving African heritage.
This focus on Kinfolk aligns with South Africa’s tourism strategy, which aims to boost cultural tourism as an essential part of the national economy. The Folklore Festival gives tourists a unique chance to engage with authentic African traditions and connect with local communities through cultural expressions handed down through generations.
Artist Lineup Announced: A Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Sounds
As the festival approaches, the first wave of artists has been revealed. This year’s lineup features legendary names alongside emerging talents from South Africa’s music scene. Each artist offers a unique outlook on cultural preservation and innovation, presenting festival-goers with a rich variety of musical experiences rooted in African heritage.
The Mahotella Queens: Renowned for their impact on mbaqanga music, which blends traditional South African sounds with modern influences, the Mahotella Queens are beloved figures in the music scene. Their performance mixes nostalgia for traditional music with contemporary rhythms, making them ideal representatives of South Africa’s musical journey. Their participation emphasizes the richness of South Africa’s music history and the need to preserve cultural legacies.
Buhlebendalo (from The Soil): A former lead vocalist of the internationally known group The Soil, Buhlebendalo adds a fresh perspective to the festival with her powerful messages about African spirituality and gender activism. Her unique combination of A cappella music and local stories offers an in-depth look at South African folk traditions, solidifying her role in the country’s music landscape.
Jabulile Majola: Jabulile’s Afro-Folk music delves into identity, drawing from personal experiences and cultural heritage. His latest project, Isitifiketi, takes listeners on a journey through time and the various influences that shape an individual’s story. This performance highlights the power of storytelling, a key aspect of African culture, and showcases how music shapes both personal and collective identities.
Zawadi Yamungu: Zawadi Yamungu, meaning “Gift from God” in Swahili, is an emerging artist whose performances blend traditional and modern folk music. Through her unique mix of instruments and deep, spiritual voice, Yamungu channels ancestral wisdom, bringing visitors closer to the roots of African music traditions.
Odwa Bongo: Odwa Bongo has gained recognition for his vocal skills and dedication to preserving traditional South African music. His work with the uHadi, a traditional bow instrument, connects historical practices to modern musical expressions. His appearance at the Folklore Festival showcases ongoing efforts to honor and sustain South Africa’s indigenous music.
The Folklore Festival’s Role in South African Tourism
The Folklore Festival is now a key event on South Africa’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world who want to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural traditions. The festival offers a chance to experience South Africa’s diverse culture through music and performances representing various regions, languages, and traditions.
As a cultural tourism event, the Folklore Festival plays a significant role in South Africa’s strategy to promote heritage tourism. With numerous indigenous cultures, the festival provides immersive experiences that reflect both the continuity and evolution of local traditions. The Kinfolk theme also underscores the festival’s commitment to preserving African heritage by creating an environment where visitors can engage with the country’s diverse cultural identities.
Tourists visiting the Folklore Festival can anticipate a rich, engaging experience that takes them into the heart of South Africa’s cultural heritage. The festival also offers local communities the chance to participate in the tourism economy, as artists, performers, and cultural custodians contribute to its success.
A Cultural Hub for Visitors to South Africa
Beyond music and performances, the Folklore Festival acts as a platform for cultural exchange, conversation, and engagement with South Africa’s vast heritage. It draws tourists who are keen not only on the country’s natural beauty but also on its history, traditions, and the stories that have shaped its cultural identity.
As tourism becomes a more critical part of South Africa’s economy, cultural festivals like the Folklore Festival help position the country as a prime destination for visitors interested in authentic African traditions. The festival offers a unique, enriching experience for international guests, allowing them to connect with South African culture meaningfully.
Conclusion: Celebrating African Heritage and Community
The Folklore Festival 2025, happening from September 11 to 13, presents a wonderful chance for local and international visitors to discover the richness of African heritage. The Kinfolk theme showcases the deep connections that unite communities and the shared stories that bridge generations. For tourists, it offers a captivating cultural experience that deepens their understanding of South Africa’s vibrant traditions while supporting the ongoing preservation of these cultural legacies.
