Rooted firmly in her jazz repertoire, Anqo blends technical finesse with soulful depth, navigating smoky standards, reimagined classics, and contemporary jazz pieces with effortless control. Her phrasing is nuanced, her tone rich and expressive, and her delivery steeped in storytelling — sincere, captivating, and emotionally resonant — drawing audiences into every note and every pause.
MAIN STAGE
PRINCE KAYBEE
Prince Kaybee is one of South Africa’s most influential dance music producers and performers. Known for his distinctive blend of Afro-house, soulful rhythms, and powerful collaborations, he has shaped the sound of contemporary African electronic music over the past decade.
Rising from humble beginnings, Prince Kaybee built his career through determination, musical innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His chart-topping singles and multi-platinum projects have earned him numerous industry accolades, while his live performances have positioned him as a headline act on major stages across the country and beyond.
Beyond the music, he represents resilience, entrepreneurship, and the evolving global voice of African dance culture.
DIZU PLAATJIES
Prof Dizu Plaatjies is a distinguished Xhosa musician, educator, and the founder of the acclaimed South African group Amampondo. Born in Lusikisiki, Pondoland, he is currently a professor and head of the Department of Ethnomusicology at the University of Cape Town, where he lectures on African music. Dizu is widely known for his pioneering work in African percussion and his significant contributions to South African music, both as a performer and an educator.
In the late 1970s, Dizu formed Amampondo, which initially performed on the streets before achieving international fame in the 1980s. The group’s pinnacle moment came when they performed at Wembley Stadium for the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute, a landmark event in the fight against apartheid. Despite their growing global success, their music was banned for several years due to the anti-apartheid campaign, but Dizu received support from Scandinavian countries during this time.
After Amampondo, Dizu formed the ensemble Ibuyambo, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide, performing in over 90 countries. His work not only highlights his musical talents but also his deep connection to African culture and tradition. Dizu is also a passionate collector of handmade African instruments, showcasing his lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing the richness of African music.
His music, including albums like Ibuyambo (2005), African Kings (2008), and Ubuntu – The Common String (2015), has garnered critical acclaim, with his last two releases winning SAMA Awards. With a career that bridges education and performance, Dizu Plaatjies remains a powerful ambassador for South African and African music globally.
SHAZA
South Africa’s cinematic pop sensation SHAZA brings her electrifying, festival-ready performance to Loerie Park. Known for her ethereal vocals and explosive stage presence, this “firecracker” performer blends African percussion, her signature djembe rhythms, and powerful modern pop production into an uplifting, emotionally charged live experience.
With her breakout #1 hit “Happy” dominating national radio for 25 weeks, a viral performance alongside Zakes Bantwini, and her chart-topping release “Golden Crown”, SHAZA delivers a sound that is bold, magnetic, and internationally rising.
At Knysna Africa Arts Festival, expect soaring vocals, driving rhythms, and a high-energy set designed to move both heart and body — a cinematic pop performance perfectly set against the spirit of Knysna.
DJ MJILO
Luzuko Jonas, known professionally as JK Mjilo, is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of Mjilo Entertainment, hailing from Plettenberg Bay. With a deep passion for bringing people together through music, JK Mjilo has established himself as a prominent figure in the South African entertainment scene. His journey into the music industry began at an early age, and over the years, he has become a well-respected DJ and cultural ambassador, making a significant impact on the local and national music scenes.
A standout moment in JK Mjilo’s career came in 2009 when he won the Battle of the DJs in George and Queenstown. This success paved the way for further recognition, culminating in his selection to compete in the prestigious Red Square DJ Knock Out Finals in Cape Town in December 2017, where he placed second, representing the Southern Cape Region. This achievement solidified his place among South Africa’s elite DJs.
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, JK Mjilo is also the driving force behind the highly anticipated #DjMjiloBirthday Celebration, an annual event held in Knysna at Club 702 in White Location. The event attracts music lovers from across the country and features performances by both local and national artists, including the legendary DJ Fresh. It has become a major highlight in the South African entertainment calendar, uniting people through the universal language of music and creating unforgettable experiences.
In addition to his work as a DJ, JK Mjilo is dedicated to fostering cultural connections through music. His presence at the AIR Festival will showcase his impressive talents and further highlight his commitment to providing festival-goers with an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
Through his work with Mjilo Entertainment and his continued contributions to the South African music scene, JK Mjilo remains a key figure in shaping the future of the country’s entertainment industry, while continuing to inspire and unite communities through music.
ANQOBILE TEYISE
Anqobile Teyise is a rising star hailing from the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape. With an undeniable passion for music, Anqobile has been captivating audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic performances since the tender age of 12. Known for her incredible vocal range and versatility, she has honed her craft over the years, emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the South African music scene.
Anqobile’s journey has been marked by numerous achievements and opportunities to perform alongside some of the country’s most talented artists. She has graced stages at renowned events such as the Plett Arts Festival, Tshisa Talent, and most recently, she was a standout participant in the farewell season of Idols SA, where she was a gold card winner.
Live Ensemble
Backed by a tight three-piece ensemble of piano, bass guitar, and drums, Anqo delivers a sound that is polished yet soulful. The group’s seamless interplay and rhythmic depth create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and stirring — a performance experience that lingers long after the final chord.
PRINCE ALBERT VASTRAPPERS
Straight from the heart of the Karoo, the legendary Prince Albert Vastrappers bring their electrifying Rain Dance to Loerie Park. Known for explosive footwork, sky-high leaps, and dust-kicking rhythm, this iconic Riel troupe carries generations of heritage in every stomp and spin.
At the AIR Festival, they don’t just perform — they invoke. In honour of drought-stricken Knysna, their powerful Rain Dance becomes a living prayer for renewal, unity, and abundance.
Raw. Ancestral. Unforgettable.
BREEZIN
Breezin’ is a talented dance and party band known for its energetic live performances and wide-ranging repertoire. Based in the Four Corners area near Plettenberg Bay, this 4-piece band brings vibrant rhythms and crowd-moving music to events of all kinds.
Blending soulful grooves, upbeat dance tracks, and dynamic stage presence, Breezin’ delivers performances that get audiences on their feet and keep them there. Their versatility and infectious energy make them a perfect fit for the spirit of the Knysna African Arts Festival, where celebration, movement, and cultural expression take centre stage.
Hakkiesdraad Hartman
Hakkiesdraad Hartman is a powerful Hip-Hop artist, poet, storyteller, and writer from George in the Western Cape. Drawing deeply from his indigenous Khoi heritage, he delivers performances that are motivational, educational, and socially conscious — blending sharp lyricism with comedy skits and subtle cabaret influences that keep audiences inspired and entertained.
A respected creative force both on stage and screen, Hartman has starred in the films Weerwraak and Moordenaars Karoo, and is widely recognised for his role as Dominee Venter in one of South Africa’s most-watched television programmes, Ouma Sarie. His dynamic presence extends across music, theatre, and television — always rooted in community upliftment and cultural pride.
At the Knysna Africa Arts Festival, expect rhythm with purpose, storytelling with depth, and a performance that moves both heart and mind.
King A Beats
Athenkosi Tabo, better known as King A Beats, is not just a DJ — he’s an energy architect behind the decks. With razor-sharp instincts and fearless versatility, he fuses electronic heat, hip-hop swagger, and soulful house grooves into explosive, crowd-moving sets.
Whether he’s building tension with deep, hypnotic rhythms or dropping high-impact anthems that send the crowd into a frenzy, King A Beats knows exactly how to read the moment — and elevate it. His sound is bold, unpredictable, and designed to keep bodies moving and hands in the air.
At the Knysna Africa Arts Festival, expect a high-voltage performance that transforms Loerie Park into a dancefloor under the sky.
Eno da Cooldude
Born in Worcester’s Zwelethemba and raised in Knysna, Eno da Cooldude is a lyrical powerhouse known for his sharp wordplay, stage presence, and deep roots in SPaza (Xhosa Rap). A true mic enthusiast, Eno moves effortlessly from studio sessions to live stages, commanding crowds with authenticity and energy.
More than just a rapper, he is a versatile creative — producing, DJing, and collaborating across genres. He has shared stages with major names including Zakwe, Emtee, Driemanskap, Vusi Nova, Nathi Mankayi, and Zola 7, cementing his reputation as a respected force in the local and national scene.
At the Knysna Africa Arts Festival, Eno da Cooldude brings rhythm, bars, and undeniable presence — representing the voice of the streets with style and substance.
Dj Mahle
At just 21 years old, DJ Mahle is fast becoming one of Knysna’s most exciting young selectors. As the resident DJ at Ntemi’s Tavern, she has built a reputation for reading the crowd and delivering seamless sets that move effortlessly across genres — making her the perfect crossover DJ for the festival stage.
Her journey behind the decks has already seen her ignite dancefloors at local hotspots including Ingoma, Emlanjeni, Thuli’s Lounge and Kwa Vusi’s Tavern, where her energetic presence and confident mixing style continue to win over audiences.
Representing the new wave of female DJs rising from the Garden Route, DJ Mahle brings fresh energy, bold transitions and a deep love for music that connects people.
Catch her on the decks as she bridges the festival experience and keeps the crowd in full celebration mode.
AFRO-SUNS MARIMBA BAND
The Afro-Suns is a marimba ensemble specialising in Marimba Xylophones, comprising Bass, Tenor, and Soprano marimbas. Their unique style blends traditional African music and popular tunes, accompanied by percussion and drumming, incorporating polyrhythmic patterns on the marimbas and vocals. Founded in 2003 by local marimba artists and percussionists from Langa Township, the group typically comprises six to five performers—three on marimba and two on drums and percussion. They also have a larger ensemble featuring three female performers and a saxophonist alongside the marimba band.
The Afro-Suns have showcased their talents at various events such as functions, festivals, weddings, corporate gatherings, both locally and internationally. Their performances have graced venues including Arts Cape, Baxter Theatre, Kirstenbosch, The Africa Dance Theatre, Qatar/Doha, CTICC, Stellenbosch Wine Estates, hotels, and Moyo at the Spier.
Key Performers:
- Vocals & Dancers: Neliswa Moya, Yamkela Liwani, and Phamela Gongxeka.
- Soprano Marimba: Luciano Nqikashe.
- Tenor Marimba: Sisonke Godlo.
- Bass Marimba: Henry Jeane
- Saxophone: Allen Gqomo.
- Percussion & Drums: Kwanele Gongxeka
AFRO-SUNS MARIMBA BAND
The Afro-Suns is a marimba ensemble specialising in Marimba Xylophones, comprising Bass, Tenor, and Soprano marimbas. Their unique style blends traditional African music and popular tunes, accompanied by percussion and drumming, incorporating polyrhythmic patterns on the marimbas and vocals. Founded in 2003 by local marimba artists and percussionists from Langa Township, the group typically comprises six to five performers—three on marimba and two on drums and percussion. They also have a larger ensemble featuring three female performers and a saxophonist alongside the marimba band.
The Afro-Suns have showcased their talents at various events such as functions, festivals, weddings, corporate gatherings, both locally and internationally. Their performances have graced venues including Arts Cape, Baxter Theatre, Kirstenbosch, The Africa Dance Theatre, Qatar/Doha, CTICC, Stellenbosch Wine Estates, hotels, and Moyo at the Spier.
Key Performers:
- Vocals & Dancers: Neliswa Moya, Yamkela Liwani, and Phamela Gongxeka.
- Soprano Marimba: Luciano Nqikashe.
- Tenor Marimba: Sisonke Godlo.
- Bass Marimba: Henry Jeane
- Saxophone: Allen Gqomo.
- Percussion & Drums: Kwanele Gongxeka
