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FOLKLORE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 4TH EDITION UNDER THE THEME #KINFOLK

Celebrating Deep Cultural Connection and Belonging Through Music, Storytelling and Heritage Preservation on South Africa’s Heritage Month.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – The highly anticipated 4th edition of the Folklore Festival is set to return on 11-13 September 2025, embracing the powerful theme of #Kinfolk – a celebration of the deep, meaningful connections that bind us as a community rooted in African culture and heritage preservation.The concept of “Kinfolk” extends far beyond blood relations; it speaks to the spiritual family we create through shared stories, traditions, and cultural experiences that have been passed down through generations. In a world increasingly fragmented by digital disconnection and cultural erosion, the Folklore Festival’s #Kinfolk theme calls for a return to authentic belonging – to the rhythms that pulse through our collective memory, the stories that shape our identity, and the sacred knowledge systems that anchor us to our ancestors and guide us toward our future. This gathering represents more than entertainment; it is a homecoming where cultural custodians, emerging artists, and community members unite to strengthen the threads that weave us together as one people, celebrating the profound truth that our individual stories are most powerful when they become part of our collective narrative.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMFor the first time ever, the 2025 Folklore Festival introduces a comprehensive Artist Development and Capacity Building Program designed to nurture emerging and established cultural practitioners. To include

Industry Showcase Opportunities:7 August 2025: Black Labone’s Earth Day in Pretoria featuring the annual Folklore Folk & Poetry Stage11 September 2025: Industry Night Showcase with cultural curators, promoters, festival owners, venue owners, labels and producers

Featured Artists for Development Program:The program will showcase emerging talent including:

Tubasti Moloi (Johannesburg) - A South African born singer- songwriter influenced by the sounds of blues, jazz, rock and African folk music. His music asks the audience to be open- minded and exploratory as he brings a collaboration of sound and genre in creating an authentic fusion folk sound.

Safe Energy (Johannesburg) – An emerging band from Johannesburg bringing fresh energy to the South African music scene with their distinctive sound and authentic artistic expression.

Siba Sarabi (Gqeberha) – A rising artist from the Eastern Cape bringing unique cultural perspectives and musical innovation to the contemporary South African music landscape.

MadiFeze (Johannesburg) – A collaborative musical partnership exploring the depths of African folk traditions through harmonious storytelling, poetry and authentic cultural expression.

Tap Percussionist (Pretoria) – A skilled rhythmic artist bringing the dynamic energy of tap percussion to traditional and contemporary musical arrangements.

A Comprehensive Workshop Series:The festival launches its very first capacity building workshops covering Artist Development, Publishing and Distribution, Branding, Promotion, Event Production, Indigenous Instruments & Folk Styles, and African Storytelling through Literature, Poetry, Film and Art.

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCEWe’ve added 1 more day to our festival!!Friday, 12 September: Fireside Opening – An evening spectacular to warm up with DJs, selectors, surprise live acts, fireside dancers, and drummers

Saturday, 13 September: Family Day – A full-day celebration featuring a food and crafts market, educational kids’ area with activities and child minders, allowing families to enjoy a fulfilling cultural experience together

This year’s festival continues its promise to blend of traditional and contemporary expressions, creating spaces for intergenerational dialogue while fostering the next generation of cultural custodians and creative leaders.

SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIPThe Folklore Festival 2025 is proudly supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, acknowledging its vital role in cultural preservation and community development.

For all festival inquiries:Email: info@folklore.communityWebsite: www.folklore.community

About Folklore Festival: The Folklore Festival is South Africa’s premier celebration of African cultural heritage, storytelling traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. Through music, literature, theatre, spoken word, poetry, film, and visual arts, the festival creates vital platforms for cultural preservation while nurturing emerging talent and fostering intergenerational dialogue.

Media inquiries :

Bonnie Meslane Email : bonnie@azania.co Contact : +27 78 087 9681