The African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Project 2026 empowered 13 musicians and crafters from Knysna through an intensive programme centred on indigenous music heritage, traditional craft, and cultural entrepreneurship.

This video follows the journey of participants as they learn to make and play the Uhadi, the traditional Xhosa musical bow, under the mentorship of Professor Dizu Plaatjies. Through music, storytelling, and oral tradition, participants reconnect with indigenous knowledge systems and the cultural heritage rooted in African identity.

The AIR Project 2026 also focuses on long-term economic sustainability within the creative sector. Participants receive practical training in entrepreneurship, event management, and professional development, preparing them to build sustainable careers within the growing cultural and tourism economy.

The programme training also includes:

• Drum Making and Performance Masterclasses with Bevil Spence and Ivana Schäfer (Drumba)
• Creative Entrepreneurship: Essential training in marketing and business development with Mbulelo Sokanyile (SEDFA).
• Event and Festival Planning and Management with industry expert Yusuf Ganief (WCAF CEO)

The AIR Project 2026 culminates at the Knysna African Arts Festival at Loerie Park Stadium on Human Rights Day 2026. This is a milestone moment when our participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience in festival planning and hosting, exhibit their unique handcrafted instruments, and perform live alongside the legendary Professor Dizu Plaatjies and our main headline act, the acclaimed Prince Kaybee.

The AIR Project 2026 is presented by Western Cape Arts Festivals, powered by Ariva Arts Foundation, in partnership with Knysna Municipality and funded by the Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) Cycle 6.

🎥 Filmed by 24th Media & Edited by Nur Felix Film Production