BCRMAG FEATURE | Nomfundo Moh Headlines Exciting National Arts Festival 2026 Music Programme
The countdown to the 2026 National Arts Festival 2026 has officially begun, and this year’s music programme promises two unforgettable weekends of Afro-pop, gospel, jazz, choral music and pan-African celebration in the heart of Makhanda.
Running from 25 June to 5 July 2026, the Festival has announced a vibrant line-up featuring celebrated artists, emerging voices and special commemorative performances that continue to position the Festival as Africa’s premier celebration of the arts.
Among the biggest highlights are performances from 2026 Standard Bank Young Artists Gabi Motuba and Manana, alongside Afro-pop sensations Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize.
The programme also celebrates musical legends and heritage through the 30-year anniversary concert of the Soweto String Quartet and a special concert by jazz icon Concord Nkabinde.
Gospel lovers can look forward to powerful performances by The Bala Family with the Masicule Youth Choir, as well as Eastern Cape-born gospel star Betusile Mcinga.
One of the most anticipated performances of the Festival will be the return of Msaki, who will lead the ALTBLK>> Pan-African Collective in a collaborative showcase rooted in artistic freedom, unity and creative independence across the continent.
Jazz Evolves at NAF 2026
The Festival also announced that the National Youth Jazz Festival will pause for 2026 as organisers restructure and strengthen the long-running development platform ahead of its return in 2027.
Despite the pause, jazz remains deeply embedded throughout the Festival programme with performances by Gabi Motuba, Concord Nkabinde and the exciting debut of Kids Love Jazz — a youth-driven movement introducing younger audiences to jazz through live performance and social media culture.
The Black Power Station Returns
The independent programme at The Black Power Station continues to grow as one of the Festival’s most influential cultural spaces.
Curated by Xolile ‘X’ Madinda, this year’s programme honours the late indigenous music icon uMadosini through performances by artists including Internet Athi, Phila Dlozi, Buhlebendalo and KHNYSA + The Light.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend One (26–28 June)
- The Bala Family with the Masicule Youth Choir
- Soweto String Quartet: Strings of the Nation (30 Years)
- Concord Nkabinde
- Ndumiso Manana: Pulchritudinous – The Beauty of the Journey
- Betusile Mcinga
Weekend Two (3–5 July)
- Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize
- Gabi Motuba: The Sounds of a Black Girl
- Msaki and the ALTBLK>> Pan-African Collective
- Kids Love Jazz
Fringe Programme Expands
The Fringe programme continues to push creative boundaries with choral music, cabaret, musical theatre, classical sounds and indigenous spiritual music.
Productions to look out for include:
- King Cetshwayo The Musical
- Journey of Oom Khris
- Brenda and I
- Call Me a Diva
- Bhisho Massacre
- Afrika Sings! The Late Legends
Tickets & Festival Information
Tickets for the full programme officially go on sale from 20 May 2026 via the official National Arts Festival website.
The 2026 National Arts Festival 2026 takes place from 25 June to 5 July in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.