The Folklore Festival has announced the launch of the fifth edition of its Fringe shows, expanding into a multi-city roadshow aimed at artist development and cross-disciplinary exposure.
Supported by the National Arts Council and produced by Bupila in partnership with the Folklore Community, this year’s programme will run under the theme #KINFOLK.
The roadshow will take place from March 6 to April 9, with stops in Durban (March 6), Gqeberha (March 13), Johannesburg (March 20), Cape Town (25 March), Pretoria (April 2), and Polokwane (April 9).
The Fringe follows the success of the festival’s first pilot Industry Day, introduced at last year’s main event. The 2025 edition featured headliners Tubatsi Moloi and showcase artists including Siba Sarabi, Mandifeze, Tapcussionist Triad and the National School of the Arts.
The main stage also featured established names such as the Mahotella Queens, Afro-jazz pianist Andile Yenana, Buhlebendalo, Zawadi Yamungi and Jabulile Majola.
Organisers say the festival continues to centre contemporary and indigenous folk narratives, encouraging intergenerational dialogue and collaboration between emerging and established artists.
Each stop on the 2026 roadshow will combine professional development with live performance. Daytime sessions will focus on industry discussions covering bookings, independent production, publishing and distribution.
In the evenings, four emerging regional artists will perform across music, poetry, film and dance. Industry professionals will provide real-time feedback, while curated networking sessions aim to foster collaboration and future opportunities.
Founder and curator Pilani Bubu said the expansion is focused on widening access to resources and industry networks.
“Folklore has always been about building community. With the Fringe Festival, we are meeting artists where they are. #KINFOLK recognises that our stories are rooted in place and people. We want to form sustainable, long-term relationships in each region and ensure artists remain connected to knowledge, networks and practical tools to build viable careers,” she said.
The Folklore Festival Fringe 2026 has opened an official call for applications, inviting musicians, poets, filmmakers and dancers working in indigenous, fusion and contemporary folk forms to apply in their respective provinces.
Selected artists will be reviewed by a jury and may be considered for inclusion in the Folklore Community Management and Booking Agency, which will be launched at the conclusion of the roadshow.
Beyond the showcase platform, organisers say the festival is contributing to a broader national conversation about the future of South African folk music and storytelling, with a focus on ensuring regional voices are represented.
Bupila is also partnering with the National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa (NEFCISA), facilitated by the Music In Africa Foundation, as a host organisation under the Industrial Development Corporation’s Social Employment Fund.
The programme aims to connect at least 1 000 young creatives with host organisations across the country for a minimum of ten months, creating employment opportunities while strengthening sector capacity.
NEFCISA’s focus areas include community and public art, digital inclusion, and youth support and recreation. Through Bupila’s Work Readiness Programme, organisers say Industry Days will provide both inspiration and practical skills to prepare creatives for employment and long-term sustainability.
Applications for the 2026 Showcase are open across all participating cities, with a deadline of March 1, at midnight. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply as part of what organisers describe as a growing movement redefining contemporary folk expression in South Africa.
Saturday Star