Experience the Sankofa Heritage Festival with Thandiswa Mazwai and star-studded guests

The anticipation surrounding the inaugural Sankofa Heritage Festival continues to build as organisers announce the special guests who will join acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai on her headline performance scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City. This multifaceted event not only marks Mazwai's impressive milestone of turning 50 but is also a tribute to her remarkable three-decade-long journey in music.

Set to create an unforgettable atmosphere, Mazwai will share the stage with a stellar lineup, including the talented pianist and composer Thandi Ntuli, cultural custodian and guitarist Madala Kunene, and Jahseed, a founding member of the influential kwaito collective Bongo Maffin. Additionally, the Sivuyile Traditional Dance Group will infuse the evening with vibrant Xhosa dance expressions, while DJ Kenzhero is slated to close the festival with an exhilarating performance.

The festival is also proud to celebrate the winner of its Opening Act Competition, Vuyo Viwe (Vuyo Tshwele), who emerged as the top choice from a competitive pool of 250 applicants. At just 25 years old, the Johannesburg-based flautist, composer, and vocalist reflects a rich cultural diversity in their musical expressions, blending South African traditional song forms with modern electronic textures and classical instrumentation. “I am beyond honoured to share a stage with one of my earliest and most formidable sonic heroes,” Vuyo shared with palpable excitement. “This is honestly a dream realised, and proof that African music is here to stay.”

For Mazwai, amplifying the voices of emerging artists is central to the festival's mission. “I am so excited to welcome Vuyo Tshwele to open the show at Sankofa Fest,” she remarked. “This festival aims to uplift young musicians and introduce them to new audiences. A special thank you to our elder Madala Kunene for agreeing to share space with us.”

Reflections on collaboration and legacy

The connections forged between artists serve as testaments to the rich legacy Mazwai represents in the South African music scene. Ntuli, whose relationship with Mazwai traces back to her formative years, fondly recalls how Mazwai's artistry inspired her decision to embrace a natural hairstyle while progressing as a musician. “It was a real dream come true for me,” she reflected on being invited to join Mazwai's all-women band. “Beyond the fire and strength of her being, she is a beautiful soul driven by a deep love for people.”

Similarly, Kunene draws from a shared history with Mazwai, crediting her with bridging generational gaps between traditional sounds and contemporary music. “She proves that culture does not disappear, it evolves. She is not just a singer; she is a custodian of memory and a living expression of African heritage,” he remarked.

Jah Seed, reflecting on their family-like bond, noted that the collaboration with Mazwai has also retained an essential Afro-traditional foundation, even as international influences shape music globally. “Her sound pays homage to those before her and continues that tradition,” he affirmed.

Cultural focus

The Sankofa Heritage Festival stands as a proactive platform accentuating indigenous African music and performance traditions, fostering a rejuvenating dialogue between ancestral forms and contemporary expressions. The festival, which is supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative, promises to be a vibrant celebration of African heritage.

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Saturday Star