FOLKLORE FRINGE FESTIVAL
#KINFOLK
The Folklore Festival has announced the launch of its fifth edition of Fringe shows. A multi-city roadshow geared toward artist development and exposure across multiple disciplines of art. Supported by the National Arts Council, produced by Bupila, the Folklore Community,is embarking on a journey of communion, creativity and creative legacy under the theme #KINFOLK. From the 6th of March to the 9th of April, reaching Durban (6 March), Gqeberha (13 March), Johannesburg (20 March), Pretoria (2 April) and Polokane (9 April).
Following the success of its first pilot Industry Day,hosted at last years addition by the Festival featuring headliners Tubatsi Moloi and showcase artists Siba Sarabi, Mandifeze, Tapcussionist Triad, the National School of the Arts and more. The festival prides itself in its contemporary and indigenous folk narrative toward intergenerational dialogue and bringing together the young and the old, and keeping to its promises the main stage lineup featured the legendary Mahotella Queens, AfroJazz pianist Andile Yenana, Buhlebendalo,Zawadi Yamungi, Jabulile Majola and more.
The vision is to create a thriving creative ecosystem where artists have the knowledge, tools, and networks to build sustainable careers while staying true to their artistic vision and the climate of the South African music and arts industry
The mission is to connect artists with industry professionals and practical expertise that transforms creative ability into viable business strategies, realigning perceptions, distribution rights, publishing rights, and community building. And bridging the gap between artistic expression and sustainable success, giving artists tangible and invaluable connections that support their professional growth within South Africa’s dynamic cultural landscape.
FREE registration for Talks.
TICKETS for Headliner Shows
2026 FESTIVAL LINE UP & SHOWS
Include an Industry Day Talks and Industry Night Performances & Showcases
Each stop on the roadshow brings together learning and live performance. During the day, artists engage in industry conversations that unpack practical topics such as bookings, independent production, publishing and distribution. In the evening, four emerging regional artists take to the stage across music, poetry, film and dance. An invited panel of industry professionals will provide real-time feedback, while curated networking sessions open doors for collaboration and future opportunity.
Founder and festival curator, Pilani Bubu (www.pilanibubu.com), says the national expansion is about access that feels tangible. “Folklore has always been about building community,” she says. “With the Fringe Festival, we are meeting artists where they are. #KINFOLK is about recognising that our stories are rooted in place and people. We want to form sustainable long-term relationships in the region and for artists to stay plugged into our community for knowledge, connections and a clearer sense of how to build sustainable careers.
DRIVING SOCIAL IMPACT
Creating meaningful employment while strengthening the capacity of the sector
The Folklore Festival Fringe 2026 is calling all musicians, poets, filmmakers and dancers working within indigenous, fusion and contemporary folk forms to apply through the Open Call in their respective provinces. Selected artists will be reviewed by a jury and be eligible for selection for the Folklore Community Management and Booking Agency being launched at the roadshows end.
This year’s festival is building a national conversation about the future of South African folk. It is about visibility and ensuring that regional voices are not sidelined, but central to the country’s cultural story. In addition BUPILA the producers of the festival, are working alongside NEFCISA - National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa (NEFCISA) facilitated by MIAF - The Music In Africa Foundation, as a Host Organisation to build a national work placement programme supported by the IDC’s Social Employment Fund (SEF).
DURBAN | FRIDAY 6 MARCH
THE CHAIRMAN | 10 AM - 10PM | 146 MAHATMA GANDHI RD
What you can expect is three industry dialogue sessions and performance workshops with Zawadi Yamungu, Mama Gcina Mhlophe of Masiko Heritage Projects, Thulile Zama - Artist and Curator of UKZN Centre for Jazz. Our Industry Night Headline Show by Dr Madala Kunene.
GQEBERHA | FRIDAY 13 MARCH
THE MUSIC KITCHEN | 10 AM - 10PM | 69 MANGOLD STR, NEW PARK
What you can expect is three industry dialogue sessions and performance workshops with Dumza Maswana - Folk artist and, Jermaine Charles - Creative Entrepreneur, Sam Jennings - DJ and Community Curator and Siba Sarabi + more to headline our Industry Night showcase and performances
JOHANNESBURG | FRIDAY 20 MARCH
NSA THEATRE | 10 AM - 10PM | 17 HOOFDT STREET, BRAAM PARK
What you can expect is three industry dialogue sessions and performance workshops with with our esteemed panel and headline acts for our industry night showcase head liner Morena Leraba
CAPE TOWN | WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH
BERTHA HOUSE | 10 AM - 10PM | 69 MAIN RD, MOWBRAY
What you can expect is three industry dialogue sessions and performance workshops with with our esteemed panel and headline acts for our industry night showcase headlines and venues to announced soon.
NOT JUST A MUSIC FESTIVAL
The activities at Folklore Festival are informed by celebrating our culture and heritage through a multidisciplinary experience from the East, West, North and South of Africa. A music concert on the main stage, workshops, a book fair on the storyteller’s stage, a bambinos and kids area with drumming circles, play time singing and a safe place to leave your kids to play and learn - not forgetting traditional dancers off stage, making for the best sensorial cultural experience!
"Folklore is the expressive body of culture shared and preserved by a particular group of people, it is inclusive of the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth, in the form of tales, sayings, dances, proverbs, jokes and music captured through various art forms.” Says Bubu.
