Folklore Festival launches fifth fringe roadshow across SA cities

The programme, supported by the National Arts Council and produced by Bupila in collaboration with the Folklore Community, commenced on 6 March and will run until 9 April.

Having already taken place in Durban (6 March) and Gqeberha (13 March), the festival will continue in Johannesburg (20 March), Cape Town (25 March), Pretoria (2 April) and Polokwane (9 April). The 2026 edition is presented under the theme #KINFOLK.

The Fringe programme combines daytime industry sessions with evening performances. During the day, participants will engage in discussions on topics such as bookings, independent production, publishing and distribution. In the evening, selected emerging artists from each region will present work across music, poetry, film and dance, with feedback provided by industry panels and networking opportunities facilitated.

The initiative builds on previous editions of the festival, including last year’s pilot Industry Day, which featured artists such as Tubatsi Moloi and performers including Siba Sarabi. Past main stage line-ups have included Mahotella Queens, Andile Yenana and other established and emerging acts.

“Folklore has always been about building community,” founder and festival curator Pilani Bubu said. “With the Fringe Festival, we are meeting artists where they are. #KINFOLK is about recognising that our stories are rooted in place and people.”

The Durban leg included industry discussions featuring figures such as Gcina Mhlophe and performances headlined by Madala Kunene.