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.
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.
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.
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.
Mbalenhle “Mbali” Mthembu—known artistically as Mbali Rose—is a Durban-born scientist turned singer-songwriter whose musical awakening is as powerful as her voice. After an eight-year hiatus, her love for music was rekindled while working in Nashville, where songwriter rounds reignited her creative spark. What began as quiet curiosity quickly evolved into a bold return to the stage, guitar in hand and heart wide open.
Liam Van Der Heyde, known on stage as Liam Cova, is a soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist from Somerset West whose talent has been lighting up Cape Town’s music scene. Whether he's busking at the V&A Waterfront, Sanctuary Shopping Centre, or Waterstone Village, Liam brings raw passion, authenticity, and a captivating energy to every performance.
On 21 March 2025, the African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Festival lit up the Kranshoek Community Centre in Plettenberg Bay, transforming it into a vibrant music, dance, and creativity hub. A powerful celebration of South Africa’s living heritage, the festival brought artists, entrepreneurs, and communities to honour our indigenous roots through art.
The Beyond Busking Project by the Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF) is transforming the perception of busking in South Africa. Since its launch in 2022, this groundbreaking initiative has been empowering emerging artists through an intensive three-month upskilling program, helping them refine their craft, develop essential career skills, and access professional opportunities. Now in its third successful edition, the project continues to uplift talented buskers, providing them with the tools to take their music to the next level.
The AIR Entrepreneur Project continues to inspire and educate, bringing together artists, makers, and cultural enthusiasts to explore the rich world of indigenous African musical heritage. This latest series of workshops was led by Geoffrey Tracey, a renowned cultural influencer and expert in traditional African music.
The AIR Entrepreneur Project launched with an inspiring series of immersive workshops led by Professor Dizu Plaatjies, a celebrated master of African Indigenous music. These workshops provided participants with a rare opportunity to explore the art of traditional music-making, from crafting and playing bows and flutes to understanding the deep cultural significance of these instruments.
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