MAIN STAGE LINE UP

From sunrise rhythms to sunset celebration, the AIR Festival transforms Loerie Park, Knysna into a vibrant arena of culture, creativity, and connection.

Headlining this year’s festival are the legendary Dizu Plaatjies, the electrifying Prince Kaybee, and cinematic pop powerhouse Shaza, alongside dynamic DJs and performers bringing unstoppable energy to the stage. Witness the explosive footwork and ancestral power of the Riel Dans Vastrappers as they perform their iconic Rain Dance — a moving invocation of heritage and renewal.

Step into the visual realm with “Nature’s Language”, an exhibition exploring indigenous symbolism and artistic expression with a vibrant pop-up exhibition, complete with live art creation, where audiences can watch creativity unfold in real time.

Feel the fire of the AIR Dance Challenge, explore handcrafted excellence in the African Craft Village, and indulge in bold indigenous flavours at Food for Africa, celebrating the continent’s rich culinary traditions.

From music and dance to art, craft, and community — AIR Festival is a full-day immersion into the vast cultures of South Africa.

Join us from 10AM to 9PM — and experience heritage in motion

PRINCE KAYBEE
DIZU PLAATJIES
PRINCE ALBERT VASTRAPPERS
SHAZA
DJ MJILO
KING BEATS
Artist profile pic
HARKIESDRAAD
BREEZIN
ENO DA COOL

AFRICAN CRAFT VILLAGE

Welcome to the African Craft Village & Food for Africa at the AIR Festival — a vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and living culture.

Building on last year’s dynamic Arts & Craft Market, this year’s village expands into an immersive cultural experience where Africa’s rich artistic traditions come alive. Visitors will discover an impressive display of indigenous musical instruments such as the Uhadi, drums, and shakers — expertly crafted by students of the African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Project. These handcrafted instruments offer a powerful connection to the roots of African rhythm, storytelling, and ceremony.

Beyond the music, the Craft Village showcases a diverse collection of multicultural and contemporary handmade works — from intricate beadwork and recycled-material soccer balls to handcrafted shoes, fashion pieces, bags, ceramics, textiles, and sculptural art. Each item tells a story of identity, resilience, and innovation. Artisans will be present throughout the day, demonstrating their skills, sharing their knowledge, and offering visitors the opportunity to purchase truly unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

Just steps away, Food for Africa invites festival-goers to indulge in bold, authentic cultural flavours. From warm roosterkoek and fire-baked breads to hearty stews, traditional favourites, sweet treats, and heritage-inspired refreshments, this culinary space celebrates the communal spirit of African cooking and the joy of gathering around good food.

Together, the African Craft Village & Food for Africa create a living marketplace of culture — where music, craftsmanship, storytelling, and flavour unite in a powerful celebration of African creativity.

Air exhibition
CRAZY CLAY
food vendor profile
craft, jewelry, beadwork
craft
TAN - RU
AFRO RIBBON
craft profile image
copy of crafters shoes at air festival
LIBBEL ART

NATURES LANGUAGE - VISUAL ART EXHIBITION

At the heart of the Knysna African Arts Festival , the Visual Art Exhibition unveils Nature’s Language: Birds of the Ancients — a powerful collective exploration of the sacred symbolism of birds across indigenous cultures.

Featuring artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the exhibition delves into birds as messengers, guardians, ancestors, and symbols of freedom, transcendence, and spiritual connection. Through painting, mixed media, sculpture, and contemporary interpretation, each work invites viewers to reflect on the deeper dialogue between humanity and nature.

Rooted in heritage yet boldly contemporary, Birds of the Ancients is a visual invocation — honouring wisdom passed through generations, and reminding us that the language of nature still speaks to those who are willing to listen.

profile of artists presenting at festival
artist profile pic
Artist image presenting at air festival
painter, visual art, drawing, art
image of artists presenting at the air festival
artist profile fine art
image of artists presenting at festival
artist, visual art, sculpture, painting
crafter, painter, metal work
wooden sculpture, artist. african art
Zubenathi
Yamkela

PULSE X - DANCE CHALLENGE

The AIR Dance Challenge, powered by the unstoppable energy of Pulse X, is where tradition takes flight and the stage becomes electric. Under this year’s bold theme — “Heritage Flies. Gravity Defies.” — dancers bring explosive choreography, fearless creativity, and cultural storytelling together in one high-impact showdown.

Expect sky-high leaps, precision footwork, and rhythm that hits like a heartbeat through the crowd. Indigenous roots meet contemporary fire as performers push limits, break boundaries, and ignite the arena.

High energy. High impact. No limits.

SONWABISE

STORYTELLING

Celebrated as one of South Africa’s most influential theatre makers, Fatima Dike was the first black South African woman playwright to be published, breaking barriers with her seminal debut The Sacrifice of Kreli in the 1970s.

Hailing from Langa, Cape Town, Fatima’s powerful body of work — including The First South African, Glass House, and The Return — explores identity, resilience, and the human spirit. Over her extraordinary career she has earned multiple lifetime achievement honours and is widely regarded as the “mother of South African theatre.”

At the Knysna African Arts Festival Opening Ceremony and throughout the day, Fatima will share her inspiring Ubuntu stories, celebrating community, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling.

FATIMA DK

CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT

Discover the Magic with Mbalenhle Zakwe – a dynamic South African actress and creative leader from Knysna, known for her roles in Rhythm City, Skorokoro, and Inhlanhla. Passionate about storytelling and community upliftment, she uses her craft to inspire, empower, and drive meaningful change through the arts.: A day of wonder awaits at the AIR Festival with Mbale. Dive into a world of creativity through enchanting storytelling, interactive puppet shows, fun-filled games, and captivating activities. Mbale will lead young minds on a magical adventure, sparking imagination and learning in the most delightful way. Join us for a day of fun, laughter, and education, where stories come to life and every moment is filled with joy and excitement!

games, childrens entertainment
MBALE ZAKWE
Childrens entertainment
children
childrens entertainment

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