Experience the Magic of WOMAD 2026 in Cape Town this September

The World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival will return to Cape Town from September 15 to 24, marking a significant cultural event in South Africa. This year’s edition, titled WOMAD 2026, coincides with two pivotal anniversaries—30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution and what would have been Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 95th birthday. The festival will take place primarily at the Artscape Theatre Centre, with performances spreading across the city, including the University of Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre and the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. The 10-day festival promises a diverse array of artistic expressions, featuring over 50 musicians from around the world. Co-founded by British musician Peter Gabriel, WOMAD South Africa 2026 aims to celebrate both global and local talents. It includes 22 unique musical experiences, showcasing everything from traditional international ensembles to prominent South African performers. Festival director Dan Chiorboli expressed pride in the event’s scale, emphasizing its role in promoting unity and inspiring hope through the arts. One highlight of the festival is the free Korean K-Pop Culture Concert scheduled for September 18 at the Artscape Theatre. This performance will feature a groundbreaking fusion of South African Amapiano music with Korean contemporary pop, highlighting the festival’s dedication to cross-genre collaborations. Additionally, the New Generations Concert on September 19 will provide a platform for emerging local artists such as Mila Smith, Freddy L, and Luukhanyo & the Hii Rollers, alongside established international acts. Artscape CEO Marlene Le Roux underscored the importance of accessibility and cultural representation, noting that the festival offers a space for global artists to share their stories through music and art. She praised the collaboration with WOMAD, which she described as a meaningful effort to promote peace through the universal language of music. A key event will be the Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Peace Concert on September 19 at the Artscape Theatre. Organized in partnership with the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the concert will see all proceeds going toward the foundation’s youth leadership programs. The lineup features a mix of international and local artists, including Cape Flats hip-hop performer Jitsvinger, who will perform in Afrikaaps, and Māori singer Kapowairua. Other notable performers include Spain’s Koko-Jean & The Tonics, Italy’s Enrico Cipollini and the Cisalpipers, Sweden’s Anna Fält, Estonia’s Susanna Aleksandra, and Austria’s Kimyan Law. Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, highlighted the significance of the concert, stating that music serves as a powerful tool for uniting people across different backgrounds. She noted that the event reflects the values of South Africa’s constitution and honors Archbishop Tutu’s humanitarian legacy, particularly through its inclusion of artists with disabilities. The festival will conclude with a public celebration on Heritage Day, September 24, at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. This free-to-attend event will feature the high-energy Spanish Cajoneada Experience, led by flamenco master Pepe Zapata. The day will serve as a fitting end to the 10-day festival, offering a vibrant showcase of South African heritage and global artistic diversity.