The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Arts,
Music, African Music Project, will present the 21st African Cultural Calabash
Festival on October 15, 2026, at 19h30 at the Howard College Theatre under the
theme, 21 Years of Togetherness – Emsamu
Wabomdabu. The event is part of The AMD@30 Celebrations
The annual festival celebrates African music, culture, heritage, and cuisine while providing a platform for emerging artists and cultural practitioners. Organised by third-year students in the African Music Outreach: Community Development programme under the supervision of Dr Patricia Opondo, the event continues to promote cultural preservation and community engagement through the arts.
This year's programme features a diverse line-up, including:
- uNgena (Mdumiseni Thwala), known for hits such as Emagqumeni, Uvalo and Emabaleni
- Nomakhosi (Sbahle Dladla), a vocalist and UKZN AMD
student, celebrated for her storytelling and traditional influences;
- Somnyamakazi, the emerging Afropop artist behind the
anti-GBV single Isililo;
- Umlazi Tremendous Boys, a 28-member isicathamiya ensemble;
- Amashiya Kubuswa, a 40-member UKZN group dedicated to
preserving ushameni dance traditions.
Guests will also enjoy the popular African Cuisine Function following
the concert, featuring a variety of traditional African dishes.
Event Details
Date: October 15, 2026
Time: 19h30
Venue: Howard College Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus
Tickets: R100 (R60 students)
Ticket Enquiries:
Nosipho Zuma: 073 786 6591
Philangezi Bhengu: 081 001 2498
For more information contact Dr Patricia Opondo on email: opondop@ukzn.ac.za
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