Cape Town is set to transform into a vibrant hub of creativity this September as the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) South Africa returns for its fourth annual festival.
Festival spokeswoman Alexis Matsimela said the festival, set to run from Tuesday, September 15 to Thursday, September 24, promises a powerful series of performances and workshops that celebrate cultural exchange, diversity, and the shared humanity that binds communities.
"This year’s programme holds special significance, aligning with September being Heritage Month and commemorating momentous milestones, including the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution and the 95th birthday of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu," she said.
Festival-goers can expect a packed schedule featuring both South African and international artists at venues such as the Artscape Theatre Centre, the University of Cape Town, and the V&A Waterfront.
Highlights include a special tribute to Miriam Makeba at the Drumstruck, at Silvermist Wine Estate on Wednesday, September 16, and the United 4 Humanity Peace Concert at the Artscape on Saturday, September 19.
Presented in partnership with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, this concert honours the Tutu’s enduring legacy of peace and reconciliation.
"Inclusivity remains at the heart of WOMAD," said Matsimela.
The 2026 line-up features collaborations, such as the UK’s Dyskinetic, a music and technology project led by the husband-and-wife duo Kris and Nicci Halpin, and Cape Town’s Unmute Dance Company, exploring themes of inclusion through dance and technology.
Events
This collaboration will be a first of its kind, shining a spotlight on artists with disabilities, while indigenous voices will be celebrated through storytelling, workshops and collaborative performances that honour ancestral knowledge and living traditions.
Yellowwood Primary School Choir, from Mitchells Plain, will also be sharing the stage with these national and international acts.
For those seeking free experiences, many events - including the Heritage Day Finale at the V&A Waterfront on Thursday, September 24 - are free to the public.
The finale will feature an energetic cross-cultural collaboration led by Spanish percussionist Pepe Zapata, joined by local drummers and musicians.
"WOMAD continues to create platforms where every voice has the opportunity to be heard," said Matsimela.
She encouraged residents to immerse themselves in this celebration of heritage and artistic connection.
For the full programme, festival updates, and ticket bookings, visit WOMADSA.
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