Open call: The Music Imbizo 2026 showcases in SA

The Music Imbizo is a platform focused on music as an art form, business sector and cultural practice. It brings together musicians, music industry professionals, emerging creatives and entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners, policymakers, media and audiences.

The event offers professional development opportunities, industry insights, networking and talent discovery within the music and creative industries.

Event details

• Dates: 26 to 29 August 2026
• Location: Durban (eThekwini Metro)
• Submission deadline: 15 February

Eligibility and scope

• Open to artists and groups across all music genres.
• Submissions are open to local and international artists.
• Performances must be:
  • Live
  • Based on original music.

Artist support

• A performance fee of R10 000 (about $620) is payable to each selected artist or group.
• An additional R2 000 stipend is available for bands travelling from outside Durban.
• Accommodation is provided for artists travelling from outside the eThekwini Metro:
  • Two nights only.
• Ground transport related to the performance and airport transfers are provided.

Terms and conditions

• Accommodation support is limited to a maximum of five people per band, including:
  • Performing members
  • One band manager.
• Artists travelling from outside Durban will receive:
  • Accommodation related to the performance
  • A group per diem.
• The Music Imbizo will provide:
  • Standard sound and lighting
  • Basic shared backline.
• Showcasing artists will receive full access passes to all Music Imbizo activities, including:
  • Conference sessions
  • Film festival screenings
  • Workshops.
• Selected artists will be promoted across:
  • The Music Imbizo programme and newsletters
  • Website and social media platforms
  • Partner platforms

Interested artists should apply here before 15 February.