Arts and Creative Industries / Fête de la Musique / Fête de la Musique 2026 line-up announced!

Fête de la Musique 2026 line-up announced!

Arts and Creative Industries
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14 May

📅 Saturday, 20 June 2025

📍 Victoria Yards, Lorentzville

🕐 1PM – 7PM

🎟  FREE ENTRY 

The Fête de la Musique returns to Victoria Yards for its 15th edition on Saturday, 20 June 2025, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of musical expression, community, and cultural exchange.

True to the spirit of the original French concept launched in 1982, the Fête de la Musique is first and foremost a festival for amateur musicians – a platform for anyone who plays music to share their passion with the public. Since its arrival in Johannesburg 15 years ago, it has become one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, known for its accessibility, diversity, and celebration of local talent.

The 2026 line-up features acts selected from more than 300 applications by a panel of international and local music experts. Headliners include Zoë Modiga, The Brother Moves On, and lordkez, alongside artists Renaissance, [kimetsu.], Zykes Madiga, Thoknique, Namakau Star, Tessi Nandi, Thula Khumalo, Measuretutti Vocal Ensemble, Little Music School in the Valley, and Khulu.

The full programme will be announced soon.

Selected artists will play at the Alliance Française of Pretoria on Saturday, 13 June, from 3 to 6 pm, as part of the Pretoria edition of Fête de la Musique.

About Fête de la Musique

Created in France in 1982, Fête de la Musique is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. The festival encourages musicians of all levels to perform in public spaces and offers free concerts to the public.

Introduced in Johannesburg 15 years ago, the event provides a platform for emerging artists while presenting established performers across a range of musical styles. Previous editions have featured Msaki, BCUC, Samthing Soweto, Vaudou Game, Nakhane, SunEl Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla, among others.

The 2026 edition is organised by the French Institute of South Africa and co-produced by Bassline, with the support of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa. We are also proud to partner with RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg, where members of the public will be invited to share their one-minute ideas on music and catch special appearances by poets and musicians.

Sustainable steps

This year, Fête de la Musique is partnering with the Keep it CKlean (KiCK) initiative to implement green measures throughout the event. Active in Joburg East since 2022, KiCK works with local communities in Wards 66 and 118 to tackle illegal dumping and littering. KiCK will assist with collecting food waste from vendors and ensuring general cleanliness in and around Victoria Yards. Waste separation bins will be provided to encourage responsible disposal of glass, plastic, and paper, helping to reduce the festival’s environmental footprint.

Jury panel

This year’s line-up was selected by a panel of distinguished jurors:

  • Violet Maila – Music in Africa (South Africa)
  • Sonya Mazumbar – Earth Sinc (India)
  • Paul Duphaney – Africa OYE (UK)
  • Mustafa Terki – Montreal (Canada)
  • Patrick De Groot – Sfinks Mixed  Festival (Belgium)
  • Aysha Waja – IFAS (South Africa)

Follow the French Institute of South Africa for updates:

 

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