Arts and Creative Industries / Music / Fête de la Musique 2025 line-up announced!

Fête de la Musique 2025 line-up announced!

Arts and Creative Industries
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6 June

📅 Saturday, 21 June 2025
📍 Victoria Yards, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
🕐 1PM – 7PM
🎟 FREE ENTRY

The Fête de la Musique returns to Victoria Yards for its 14th edition on Saturday, 21 June 2025, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of musical expression, community, and cultural exchange. This year’s edition coincides with two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Music Day and the 30th anniversary of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

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 14 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 2025 line-up features over 20 acts selected from more than 300 applications by a credible international and national jury. Headlining this year’s event are Sun-El Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla, both of whom performed at the festival a decade ago and have since risen to national acclaim.

Full line-up:

Akeeda, Jabulile Majola, Namhla Badela, Thabiso Thabete, NdumzDJ, Brandon Aura, IDAHUM, KatzTheSingR, Tumi Dibakoane, Tsoness, Afro Moment, Shepard Brothers, Tshepo Molefe, Thando Nkosi and Many More Poetry, KHNYSA, KGZOO, Little Music School in the Valley, and Poet Bass’d Band.

Dorine Lebreton, Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of IFAS said:

As we celebrate 30 years of IFAS in South Africa, we are proud to continue providing platforms like Fête de la Musique that support artistic expression and cultural exchange,” says . “This festival is not only a celebration of music, but also a space where artists can grow, experiment, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Empowering young music professionals: Live Music Lab

More than just a music festival, Fête de la Musique also serves as a skills development platform. Young professionals from Live Music Lab – an ongoing professional development programme – will be part of the festival production team, working under the guidance of experienced mentors from the industry.

Live Music Lab 2024 participants:

  • Reavin Cummings – Talent and Backstage Manager (Mentor: Brad Holmes)
  • Thokozane Twala – Production Manager (Mentor: Hloni Masina)
  • Phumelela Mbutho – Stage Manager (Stage 1)
  • Lesego Makoza – Stage Manager (Stage 2)
  • Zango Khubeka – Stage Manager (Stage 3)
  • Mentor: Mabusha Masekela

Live Music Lab 2025 trainees:

  • Kamohelo More
  • Ntokozo Manyoni
  • Sihle Thipe
  • Sipesihle Hlatshwayo
  • Sandisiwe Maphasa
  • Mentor: Mabusha Masekela

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:

International:

  • Paul Duphaney – Africa OYE (UK)
  • Sonya Mazumdar – Earth Sinc (India)
  • Mustapha Terki – Montreal (Canada)

South African:

  • Marnus Strydom – Motherland Records
  • Violet Maila – Music in Africa
  • French Institute of South Africa team

The 2025 Fête de la Musique Johannesburg is organised by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and co-produced by Bassline, with the support of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa.

See the full programme for the day here.

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