Events

Zakes Bantwini’s Abantu Festival: A Celebration of South African Music

September 3, 2023

1 min read

south african music abantu festival Cape Town

Zakes Bantwini, a Grammy-winning South African music star, is organizing a historical event called the Abantu Festival. The festival will take place on October 28th at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town and has been described as a landmark moment for South African culture.

A Lineup of Top-Tier Local Talent

The Abantu Festival will feature a lineup of the biggest names in South African’s contemporary music scene. Among them are YoungstaCPT, K.O, Goodluck, Jeremy Loops, Boity, and Mi Casa. The event poster, shared by Bantwini on Instagram, has generated widespread excitement among fans and fellow artists.

The Goal of the Festival

In an interview with IOL, Bantwini stated that the fundamental goal of the festival is to do something special and enriching for the people. Bantwini emphasized the importance of creating an event that everyone can look forward to, and he believes the Abantu Festival is the perfect realization of that vision.

Rescheduled for a Better Experience

Originally planned for March, the festival was postponed to October in response to the overwhelming public support it received. Organizers wanted to curate an event that could truly be considered world-class.

Promoting the Festival

Bantwini has actively promoted the Abantu Festival, holding university activations at the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, with plans to visit the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Rhodes University later this month. His Instagram posts reveal a tagline encapsulating the spirit of the event: “Come for the music, stay for the people.”

Surprise Acts and Future Growth

In an interview with TimesLIVE, Bantwini hinted at a number of surprise acts that will be added to the lineup later this month. He believes the Abantu Festival will offer a unique flavor to the local concert scene, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for live events in South Africa.

As many as 25,000 people are expected to attend the historic concert at the DHL Stadium, with Bantwini expressing his ambition for the Abantu Festival to grow even larger in the coming years. He envisions the event expanding to accommodate 40,000 attendees next year, reaching full capacity at 62,000 people in the following year.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for the Abantu Festival are available through Howler, with a range of pricing options to suit concertgoers of all budgets and preferences. Prices start at R450 for phase one tickets, with discounts available for wheelchair-users, and stretch as high as R3,500 for VVIP access.

A Celebration of South African Music and Culture

The Abantu Festival is not only a concert but also a celebration of South African music and culture. Bantwini, a true visionary in the world of music, continues to shape the event’s future. Fans can look forward to an ever-evolving and increasingly immersive experience in the years to come.

A Precarious Coalition: The Government of National Unity’s Struggle for Stability

The Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa is facing tough times as it struggles to agree on a budget. The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are at odds over important issues like powersharing and economic reforms. While the DA is pushing for changes to boost the economy, smaller parties are complicating the negotiations. This shaky alliance highlights the challenges of working together in a diverse political landscape, where respect and collaboration are crucial for moving forward.

Legal Aid South Africa’s Bold Move: Expanding Access to Justice

Legal Aid South Africa is making a big change to help more people get legal support. Starting April 1, 2025, they will raise the income limits for legal aid, allowing more families to qualify. For example, the limit for criminal cases will go up from R8,700 to R9,100, and the cap for household assets will increase to R787,600. This means that people who are struggling financially, like single parents, can get the help they need to fight for their rights. Overall, these changes aim to make justice fairer and more accessible for everyone in South Africa.

Latest from Blog

south african rand political instability

The South African Rand’s Historic Plunge: A Reflection of Political and Economic Turmoil

In 2025, the South African Rand took a historic nosedive, reaching its lowest point ever against the euro and pound. Political chaos from a controversial national budget, along with new US tariffs, caused panic among investors, leading them to pull money out of the country. On April 9, the rand fell to R21.81/€ and above R25/£, creating a wave of uncertainty and rising inflation in South Africa. This crisis reflects not only economic struggles but also the deep political issues within the nation, urging everyone to unite for a better future.

South Africa’s VAT Controversy: A Battle for Economic Stability and Social Justice

South Africa is facing a heated debate over a proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 16% by 2026. The government believes this hike is necessary to fund vital services like health and education but promises to help lowincome families with expanded social grants and zerorated food items. However, this plan has met fierce opposition from the Democratic Alliance party, which argues it will unfairly burden the poor. As tensions rise within the coalition government, this issue reflects deeper struggles for fairness and justice in a nation still healing from past inequalities. The outcome of this tax increase could change the way South Africa balances economic needs with social responsibility.

Envisioning Hope: The “And yet we imagine” Exhibition

The “And yet we imagine” exhibition at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town is a vibrant celebration of creativity and hope. Running until May 2, 2025, it showcases diverse art forms, from poetry to performance, all aimed at inspiring a sustainable future. Visitors can join workshops and discussions, sharing their own dreams for a better world. This exhibition calls on everyone to imagine together, highlighting the power of art to spark change and unite communities in facing our biggest challenges. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even in tough times, we can dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Controversy Surrounds New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Zulu Parade

The Zulu Parade at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is causing a stir because many South Africans find its imagery offensive. Features like blackface and outdated stereotypes upset people who feel their rich culture is being disrespected. While the parade aims to celebrate African American heritage, it blurs the line between honoring and appropriating Zulu culture. This controversy highlights how important it is to understand and respect different traditions, reminding us to think carefully about how we represent others. Ultimately, it’s a call for more empathy and dialogue in our diverse world.

Navigating Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Cell C Data Breach

The Cell C data breach is a big wakeup call about how important cybersecurity is in our digital lives. It shows that companies need to teach their users how to protect their personal information and be clear about what’s happening when things go wrong. After the breach, Cell C stepped up by creating an Information Hub to help users understand cyber threats and encouraging them to sign up for Protective Registration to guard against fraud. This situation reminds us that staying safe online is not just about technology; it’s also about being smart and aware.

the ultimate mother city guide