The Knysna African Arts Festival 2026 (AIR Festival) returned on 21 March 2026 with a vibrant celebration of African music, dance, visual arts, and cultural expression at Loerie Park Sports Grounds in Knysna.
Author: Thabo Tshelane (Thabo Tshelane)
Post
African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Project 2026 | Knysna
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.
Post
Applications Are Open: Beyond Busking Project 2026!
The Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation, funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), is thrilled to announce the fourth edition of the Beyond Busking Project (BBP). We invite all musicians from Cape Town to audition on 27 May 2026 at Bertha House, 67-69 Main Road, Mowbray, Cape Town, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Post
Call for Musicians & Crafters – AIR Project 2026 Knysna | Western Cape Arts Festivals
Apply for the AIR Project 2026 in Knysna! A 3-month training and development programme for emerging musicians and crafters in indigenous arts, crafts, and performance.
Post
Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 featuring Dhahabu
Get to know Dhahabu (Qondea Avril Mkansi), a bold South African singer-songwriter and creator of Afro-Art Rock. Blending theatre, storytelling, and diverse musical influences, Dhahabu’s sound is as original as it is powerful. In this feature, she reflects on her creative evolution through the Beyond Busking Project, leading up to the release of her electrifying new single, “Sherekhan”, dropping 8 August 2025.
🎧 Read more about her journey, her mentors, and the magic behind the music.
Post
FROM ONE CITY TO ONE PROVINCE: THE CT ARTS FESTIVAL LEGACY GROWS INTO THE WESTERN CAPE ARTS FESTIVALS
The Cape Town Arts Festival has officially rebranded as the Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), marking an exciting new chapter in its journey. This transformation reflects a broader vision focused on rural arts, cultural tourism, and economic development across the province. With over 276 youth trained, 845 artists supported, and 7,500+ audience members reached since 2022, WCAF is building a province-wide movement rooted in creativity, community, and opportunity.
Post
Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 featuring Major Bless Iskhokho
Major Bless Iskhokho — real name Sibusiso Domingos Dunga — is a rising artist and music producer from Nyanga East, Cape Town, whose life and sound are rooted in perseverance, purpose, and the power of music.
His journey began in high school, where he led a championship-winning choir and discovered his passion for performance. After matriculating in 2020, he faced financial hardships that might have silenced many dreams. But for Major Bless, music became a lifeline.
Post
Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 featuring Zikhona Maxine Zonke
Zikhona Maxine Zonke is a gifted gospel vocalist and faith-driven performer from Mfuleni, Cape Town, whose voice resonates with purpose, passion, and authenticity. 🎤 Her musical journey began in her teens when she joined a local gospel group, sparking a lifelong calling to use her voice to uplift, heal, and inspire.
Post
Yusuf Ganief: Leading CTAF with Heart, Vision and Purpose
With over 30 years of experience in business management and nearly two decades in the creative industries, Yusuf is not new to rebuilding and reimagining. His journey began long before he took the helm at CTAF. He cut his teeth as a financial and business consultant in the corporate world, then made a bold shift into the heart of the arts sector, where he’s remained a driving force for cultural change ever since.
Post
Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 featuring Queen Sinda
Lusinda Rolisisu, known on stage as Queen Sinda, is a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic performer making waves in Jazz, Gospel, Pop, and Musical Theatre. With her soulful voice and effortless genre-blending, she’s capturing the hearts of audiences across South Africa—and beyond.
