THE DEFINITION OF FOLKLORE
Folklore is the expressive body of heritage and culture shared & preserved by a particular group of people passed through the generations by word of mouth. It is inclusive of the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, in the form of tales, sayings, dances, proverbs, jokes and music captured through various art forms
THE FOLKLORE COMMUNITY
is a movement that celebrates, captures, and preserves African stories through music, art, and storytelling.
Our mission is to create platforms for cultural expression and artistic development, particularly for folk and indigenous traditions. By uplifting marginalised art forms, we foster intergenerational dialogue, encourage the sharing of indigenous knowledge, and support young and emerging creative talent.
Through festivals, outreach programmes, and community events, we are building a diverse family-based audience while empowering local creatives and entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, to shape the future of African culture.
The Folklore Community is building and developing a unique and diverse family-based audience, and a community of education institutions: schools and Universities with a 6-month project plan of unique programmatic, educational and entertainment events covering 6 cites in 5 provinces Gauteng, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, & Eastern Cape. Showcasing & supporting young, emerging and established creative talent. Providing a platform for skills and talent development, inter-generational dialogue and knowledge share
FOLKLOR.ISH PODCAST
The Folklore Podcast keeps the conversation going beyond the stage. Each episode dives into African storytelling, music, and creativity through artist interviews, cultural reflections, and discussions on heritage and innovation.It’s an extension of our mission to preserve indigenous knowledge while celebrating the new voices shaping the future of African folklore.
SEASON 1 |#KINFOLK EP:01
Behind the Name Jabulile Majola
In this deeply personal episode, host Pilani Bubu sits down with afro-folk musician Jabulile Majola to explore the story behind his debut solo album Isitifiketi – a title that translates to "The Certificate" and takes us back to the very beginning: his birth certificate.
SEASON 1 |#KINFOLK EP:02
The Sentiments of Village Songs with Odwa Bongo
In this transcendent episode, host Pilani Bubu sits down with indigenous and contemporary folk artist Odwa Bongo to explore the deeply rooted inspiration he takes from evocative village songs and the meaning embedded in his artistic identity.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
The Folklore Community's capacity-building workshops and masterclasses serve as transformative platforms that unite diverse African communities while cultivating the next generation of cultural custodians and creative leaders. Our comprehensive programming creates vital intergenerational dialogue, bridging the wisdom of elders with the innovation of youth to ensure cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant. Through carefully curated educational activations spanning music, literature, theatre, film, spoken word, poetry, and visual arts, we empower local creative entrepreneurs and emerging talent, with particular focus on youth and women who often face barriers to artistic development.
Our workshops function as incubators for social change, fostering deep social cohesion by celebrating African identity in all its rich diversity. Participants gain not only technical skills but also cultural confidence, understanding their role as both inheritors and innovators of African traditions. These gatherings become spaces where stories are shared, networks are built, and collaborative projects emerge organically. The ripple effect extends beyond individual participants, as newly empowered artists return to their communities as cultural ambassadors and mentors. By nurturing this ecosystem of creativity and cultural pride, the Folklore Community's workshops contribute to a broader movement of African renaissance, where traditional knowledge informs contemporary expression and drives meaningful social transformation.
PROJECT IMPACT
Our events connect diverse Africans, encouraging youth engagement & cultural preservation. We drive social change by:
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Creating inter-generational dialogue to preserve cultural heritage with youth.
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Fostering social cohesion & celebrating African identity.
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Empowering local creative entrepreneurs & talent, especially youth & women, through the curation on and off-stage activations, crafts & food markets.