up the creek festival south african music

Up The Creek 2026: Four Days of Music, River, and Community

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Up The Creek 2026 is a lively fourday music festival held by South Africa’s beautiful Breede River from February 58. It brings together top South African artists, fun river activities like floating and swimming, and a warm, creative community where everyone joins in. The festival feels like a magical escape where music, nature, and new friendships flow together under the stars. With colorful campsites, tasty local food, and a strong focus on protecting the river, Up The Creek is a special place to relax, dance, and make lasting memories.

marimba ensemble south african music

The Power of Rhythm: Cape Town’s Marimba Ensemble Ignites a Continental Pulse

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On a cool August evening in 2025, over 1,000 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe will gather in Cape Town to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Marimba Ensemble. This joyful event, led by Marimba Jam, brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate African music, unity, and hope. The marimba’s warm, happy sound invites everyone to join in, creating a powerful moment where rhythm connects hearts and heals divides. It’s not just about a record—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the magic of music shared by many hands.

south african music cultural unity

Harmony in Diversity: How Music Thrives as South Africa’s Favourite Pastime

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Music is South Africa’s heartbeat, bringing people from many backgrounds together with its rich sounds like gospel, amapiano, and jazz. From lively street corners to big concerts, music fills daily life with joy, hope, and unity. It tells stories of the past and inspires new creativity, connecting young and old across the nation. More than just fun, music in South Africa is a powerful way to share culture, celebrate life, and build a strong community.

cape town jazz festival south african music

Cape Town International Jazz Festival: A Melodic Celebration Awaits

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Get ready for a musical adventure at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2024! With stars like Black Coffee, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Thandiswa Mazwai, the festival will be bursting with amazing sounds and rhythms. This year, Black Coffee and Nduduzo will perform together for the first time, creating an unforgettable show. Join the fun as talented artists from around the world come together to share their stories through music, making it a celebration of joy, culture, and creativity. Don’t miss out on this vibrant gathering in April!

music festival south african music

A Glimpse Into South Africa’s Eclectic Music Scene: Red Bull Unlocked Cape Town 2024

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Experience the vibrant and diverse music scene of South Africa at Red Bull Unlocked Cape Town 2024, featuring over 70 artists including MÖRDA and Vigro Deep. The event promises a highenergy night filled with a spectrum of sounds from South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. With micro venues providing platforms for DJs, producers, and rappers, attendees can explore and delve deep into the country’s unique musical genres and styles. This event is not just a musical retreat, but an exploration of the cultural soundscape and a tribute to South African music under the Red Bull Unlocked banner.

south african music cinema

“Melody of Affection: A First-time Appearance, A Dispute and A Tribute to South African Tunes”

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South African rapper Kwesta makes his acting debut in “Melody of Affection”, a film set in the musically rich streets of Soweto. The movie has sparked debate among audiences on social media, with critiques of its quality and platform of release, though it reflects South Africa’s cultural milieu and artists’ dedication to new artistic ventures. Despite initial reluctance, Kwesta’s acting performance showcases his dedication to the project, which was personally financed by the director and sold to Netflix.

south african music luxurama theatre

A Musical Ode to History: The Tale of Cape Town’s Luxurama Theatre

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Get ready to travel back in time with the upcoming documentary ‘A Cape Town Song: The Story of The Luxurama’. The film showcases the rich history of Luxurama Theatre and its impact on Cape Town’s music scene, featuring a song by renowned musicians Jimmy Nevis and Craig Lucas. The documentary pays homage to the numerous artists who performed on the Luxurama’s stage, including international celebrities like Tom Jones and South African icons like Loukmaan and Emo Adams. The project is a personal labor of love for the husband and wife team behind it, Nicki and Liesel Priem, who set out to eternize the illustrious saga of the Luxurama Theatre in Wynberg.

ndlovu youth choir global phenomenon

Highlighting Harmonies: The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s Global Symphony

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir has become a sensation thanks to their unique harmonies that have reached audiences across three continents, including famous figures like Trevor Noah and Bill Gates. Their 2025 homecoming tour in South Africa is set to be a massive success, with shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg already in the works. The choir has evolved over the years, incorporating fresh songs like a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and paying tribute to local music legends. Their journey from a rural province to the global stage is a testament to the power of music.

south african music grammy award

South Africa’s Musical Prowess: A Journey Unfolding

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South Africa is home to Grammywinning musicians who have made an impact on the global music industry. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won the Best World Music Album Grammy twice, while Black Coffee became the first South African producer to win the Best Dance/Electronic Album Grammy. Wouter Kellerman and Ricky Kej won the Best New Age Album Grammy with Winds Of Samsara, and Tyla won the inaugural Best African Music Performance Grammy at just 22 years old. These talented musicians represent the diverse fabric of South African music, creating a legacy that inspires future generations.

the kiffness south african music

Stirring Up Discussion Through Sound: An Examination of The Kiffness Phenomenon

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The Kiffness is a controversial South African musician known for his satirical remixes and political commentary through music and memes. His recent political cartoon meme on X platform ignited discussion around the upcoming general elections, with critics accusing him of racism and scare tactics. Despite criticism, The Kiffness’s unique style and methodology have garnered international recognition and cemented his position in the music realm, offering a glimpse into the face of South Africa through his social critique, satire, and infectious rhythms.

black coffee south african music

The Musical Journey of Black Coffee: Rhythm, Resilience, and Renown

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Black Coffee’s journey from a smalltown disc jockey to an international sensation with collaborations with Drake, David Guetta, and Usher is an inspiring tale of perseverance and the power of dreams. His rise to fame, from charging a modest entrance fee to now charging millions for his electrifying performances, is a testament to his unshakeable resolve. Black Coffee’s story serves as a guiding light of hope and inspiration for aspiring artists globally, demonstrating the power of selfconfidence, determination, and hard work.

music industry lisa

An Unexpected Musical Alliance: Lisa of BLACKPINK and Tyla Stirs Excitement

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Kpop superstar Lisa from BLACKPINK and South African music sensation Tyla have teased fans with their potential collaboration after being seen at Tyla’s listening session. The pair were engrossed in music, and a video clip captured their shared joy and laughter harmonizing with the music’s pulse. Fans eagerly await updates on this unexpected musical alliance, which could represent a dynamic fusion of cultures and sounds that have the potential to surpass borders and musical genres.

tony cedras jazz

A Resounding Melody: The Immortal Legacy of Tony Cedras

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Tony Cedras, a South African jazz musician, made a significant impact in the music industry, working with renowned artists like Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte. Cedras’ legacy lives on through his melodious symphonies and contributions to South African music. His exceptional talent and musical collaborations garnered him the Ministerial Legacy Award from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in 2022. Cedras’ enduring legacy is an homage to the profound influence of music that defies borders and touches the souls of its listeners.

south african music gospel music

A Farewell to Kenny Makweng: Honouring the ZCC Mokhukhu Gospel Giant

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Kenny Makweng, a revered ZCC Mokhukhu gospel figurehead, passed away due to a stroke on January 15th, leaving a noticeable gap in South Africa’s lively musical realm. Makweng’s music touched countless hearts and continues to resonate in the collective psyche of the people, serving as a constant reminder of the humble titan of the gospel music scene. His sudden departure sparked nationwide waves of sympathies and tributes, reflecting just how deeply his absence resonates.

south african music murder case

The Unsettling Mystery Surrounding South African Music Icons

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The music industry in South Africa is in shock over the unsolved murder of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his associate Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. Police Minister Bheki Cele reports progress in the investigation, including the recovery of the escape vehicle and murder weapon, and protection for key witnesses. Despite this, some critics accuse the minister of recycling rhetoric used in other highprofile cases. The violent end of these two music icons has led to a national outcry against the perceived inefficiencies of the South African Police Service.

zahara south african music

Remembering Zahara: South Africa’s Musical Legend

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South Africa is mourning the loss of legendary singersongwriter Zahara, whose innovative music blended traditional South African rhythms with modern soul and jazz. Her iconic contribution to South African music will be commemorated in a memorial service at the Rhema Bible Church in Johannesburg. Zahara’s music resonated deeply with her audience and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and admirers.

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