The sounds of music, dance and cultural expression are filling Cape Town as WOMAD South Africa brings artists from around the world and local communities together on one stage.

The festival, which started on Tuesday 15 and will run until Thursday 24 September, transformed Artscape Theatre and various venues across Cape Town intro vibrant hubs of creativity, united under the theme of cultural exchange and celebration.

Dan Chiorboli, WOMAD SA festival director, said the festival pays homage to the country’s shared legacies while fostering connections across borders.

He said this year also marks historical significance, from commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution to celebrating the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 95th birthday.

Chiorboli said they have also collaborated with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation a few years ago to pay homage to the Arch.

Saturday 19 September saw the annual celebration of the Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert, which took place at the Artscape Theatre.

The international line-up at the concert included, Koko-Jean & The Tonics from Spain, Anna Fält from Sweden and Susanna Aleksandra from Estonia among others.

While local acts included Yellowwood Primary School Choir from Mitchells Plain and Hip Hop artist and performance poet Quintin Goliath, better known as Jitsvinger.

Janet Jobson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, said: “This annual celebration honours Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s legacy of hope, reconciliation and unity through an extraordinary showcase of global and local talent.

“The concert is a demonstration of how we can use music to connect us to multiple parts of the world.”

Chiorboli explained the significance of WOMAD South Africa.

“This festival brings together so many different cultures with artists from 13 different countries taking part this year all buying into the context of humanity, unity, love and compassion which is what the Arch instilled in us.”

He said the aim is to bring the spirit of WOMAD into communities.

Artists from Gugulethu, Philippi, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain and various other areas have the opportunity to take to the stage.

“It is a real privilege for us to be in Cape Town. It’s the right city to showcase what we want to be in the future.

“Each performance throughout the festival not only amplifies the voices of local icons and global talent but also embodies the spirit of Heritage Month, inviting communities to come together in remembrance, celebration and joy.”

He said accessibility, representation and cultural exchange remain at the heart of event.

This year’s programme shines a spotlight on disabled artists through groundbreaking performances by the UK’s Dyskinetic alongside Cape Town’s Unmute Dance Company, while indigenous voices are celebrated through storytelling, workshops and collaborative performances that honour ancestral knowledge and living traditions.

Vannessa Cronje, head of marketing at PicknPay Clothing, said to mark Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s upcoming 95th birthday celebrated next month, the retailer has collaborated with designer Gavin Rajah to design a special celebratory T-shirt.

Cronje explained that proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.

According to Cronje, they are proud to be part of this initiative.

“The funds will support the Foundation’s continued work with over 6 000 schoolchildren annually through its leadership development and civic education programme.”

For more information about the various WOMAD Cape Town events, visit womadsa.co.za

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