Bongeziwe Mabandla, Wavy the Creator featured on 2021 SXSW virtual line-up

The two are the only African acts featured on this year’s SXSW line-up. The festival, comprising about 280 acts, also features artists from around the world including 404 Guild (UK), Aaron Lee Tasjan (US), Adwaith (UK), Ailbhe Reddy (Ireland), AIRY (South Korea), Alexander Biggs (Australia), Astrid Sonne (Denmark), Buffalo Hunt (US) and D.A.N. (Japan), among others.

“The challenge of building a new future is one that we’re excited to tackle,” SXSW CEO and co-founder Roland Swenson said. “This has been such a year of change and we, like the entire world, are reshaping our perspective on how we connect.

“We’re pleased to be working on SXSW Online as part of our programme for 2021, and regardless of platform, we will continue to bring together the brightest minds from creative industries worldwide.”

SXSW said this year’s edition would be a distinctive experience with artist showcases from historic, legendary and unexpected venues throughout the world.

“Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, we expect that the City of Austin will continue its restrictions on large gatherings through March 2021, so it will not be possible for SXSW to stage a large, in-person event within our usual footprint,” SXSW said.

“The focus now is on SXSW Online 2021, and we look forward to bringing you the many aspects of our event that make it unique while connecting with our attendees in new and meaningful ways.”

The online event will also feature a number of prominent speakers including R&B singer Mary J Blige, actress Elizabeth Banks, former US president George W Bush, basketball player Chris Webber, documentary filmmaker Erin Lee Carr and TV personality Mark Cuban, among many others.