Johannesburg’s Folklore Festival returns this Heritage Month with a powerful lineup celebrating African heritage, storytelling, and identity. Running from 11–13 September 2025 under the theme “#Kinfolk – A Celebration of African Belonging, Heritage, and Collective Storytelling,” the festival brings together legendary voices and fresh talent across three events designed to honour both tradition and innovation. Expect music, storytelling sessions, fireside conversations, and a family day that connects generations through culture.
At the heart of the lineup are icons like the Mahotella Queens, who have carried South Africa’s “mbaqanga” sound across five decades and international stages, and Buhlebendalo of The Soil, whose contralto voice and activism bring narratives of identity, spirituality, and womanhood to life. They’re joined by festival director and singer-songwriter Pilani Bubu, traditional virtuoso Zawadi Yamungu, uHadi master Odwa Bongo, and emerging acts including Siba Sarabi, Safe Energy, and Apiwe Bubu – each contributing to a living archive of sound and story.
More information on the festival’s programme can be found on their website. Tickets are available through Quicket.
