By Sitha Maliwa:
South Africa’s queen of soul and cultural renaissance, Thandiswa Mazwai, is turning 50 – and she’s doing it in the only way she knows how: through music, heritage, and unapologetic African excellence. The Sankofa Heritage Festival, set for Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena, is more than just a concert – it’s a homecoming of spirit, a sonic ritual, and a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
For three decades, Thandiswa has stood as a voice of resistance, healing, and pride. From the revolutionary energy of Bongo Maffin to the soul-stirring depth of her solo work, she has carried the heartbeat of a continent in every note. Now, with her latest album “Sankofa” – which earned five SAMA nominations – she’s reclaiming the sacred power of African sound, reminding the world to go back and fetch what was left behind.
“It’s almost unbelievable that I am now turning 50 and I have spent more than half my life in the music world,” Thandiswa reflects. “My first radio hit was 30 years ago with Jacknife, and I am honoured to still be one of the top-nominated artists at the SAMAs. I have been truly blessed.”
The Sankofa Heritage Festival will be a living embodiment of that blessing – a musical pilgrimage uniting generations and genres. Thandiswa will headline alongside some of her closest friends and collaborators, with the full lineup soon to be revealed. Audiences can expect a fusion of ancestral rhythms, modern African beats, and transcendent storytelling that bridges past and present.
But this is not just a party – it’s a movement. With the festival, Thandiswa is planting a cultural seed for the future – a space curated by artists, for artists, where African creativity takes centre stage.
“There is a need for more artist-curated festivals that centre music, freedom, and community,” she says. “I am creating this festival to not only give space to upcoming artists but also to celebrate our cultures and collective humanity.”
Supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative, the Sankofa Heritage Festival is set to become an annual celebration of indigenous African music, a sanctuary where heritage meets innovation and the spirit of Ubuntu takes the mic.
On 28 February 2026, as the lights dim and the drums begin to speak, Carnival City will transform into a sacred ground of rhythm and remembrance. The Sankofa bird – wings outstretched, head turned toward its past – will soar again, guided by Thandiswa Mazwai’s indomitable voice.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Time: 6 PM onwards
Venue: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Johannesburg
Tickets: Computicket.com – @NewsSA_Online
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