WOMAD South Africa 2025 Ignites Cape Town with a Celebration of Global Culture
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – The World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) makes its much anticipated return to Cape Town in 2025, igniting the city with a bold, multi-venue festival that celebrates the power of global creativity and cultural exchange.
Renowned for its genre-defying programming and inclusive spirit, WOMAD 2025 will present a series of events across some of the city’s most iconic venues. From the bustling energy of multiple venues within the V&A Waterfront to the historic resonance of St George’s Cathedral, the literary charm of The Book Lounge, and the tranquil beauty of Silvermist Wine Estate, each location offers a unique backdrop for a rich tapestry of performances and immersive experiences.
This Year’s Festival goes beyond entertainment, deepening its social footprint withthree youth-led outreach workshops designed to inspire andempower the next generation of cultural leaders. In agroundbreaking addition, WOMAD SA 2025 also launches theKaroo-Winelands Cultural Experience – a ten day long journeythrough the Klein Karoo, Overberg, and Winelands. This evocativeexpedition invites participants and audiences to explore thediverse cultural rhythms, stories, and landscapes that define theheart of South Africa.WOMAD 2025 promises to be more than a festival – it’s amovement, a meeting place, and a celebration of the world’sshared humanity through culture.
Festival Highlights
September 23: Cape Connect – Meet n Greet @ the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. (13h00)
This invite-only event unpacks WOMAD’s vision—bringing together international artists and Cape Town’s key stakeholders, media, influencers, and creative trailblazers. Guests will be introduced to the imaginative minds behind La Cajoneada, the dynamic Spanish-led cultural movement fueling artistic collaboration, community empowerment, and sustainable job creation. The event also pays tribute to Cape Town icons through the prestigious WOMAD Lifetime Achievement Awards and welcomes global philanthropic foundations committed to making a meaningful impact.
September 24 (Heritage Day): WOMAD Kidz 4 Kulture Day @ The Amphitheatre, V & A Waterfront. (14h00 –19h00)
A free to the public, culture-filled day that boasts the following highlights:
- La Cajoneada: A rhythmic spectacle where 100 cajon drummers unite in powerful harmony, led by acclaimed percussionists Heidi Joubert, Victor Garcia and Thandi Swartbooi. This flamenco-driven event embodies community empowerment, showcasing handcrafted cajons from a Cape Town SMME—symbols of job creation and artistic growth. With expert training from Malaga’s Play It Again led by project leader Pepe Zapata and powered by the Embassy of Spain, it’s a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and cultural exchange.
- Hip Hop Meets the World: The city’s fiercest movers bring fire to a showdown where talent is tested, sharpened, and crowned. Led by hip-hop visionary Emile Jansen, this isn’t just a battle—it’s a launchpad. The champion takes home a cash prize and a ticket to an international festival in 2026.
- School of Rock: The world’s leading music school franchise empowers young musicians through a unique performance-based approach. The elite teen House Band—eight passionate performers aged 15–18 is set to perform an all-South African set in celebration of Heritage Day.
- Marwan Abu-Tahoun Recio, a Madrid-born artist of Palestinian-Spanish descent who has stirred the hearts of millions presents his soul-stirring poetry and music.
September 24: Swag Poetry Jam @ Time Out Market Studio, V & A Waterfront (19h00)
Featuring Cape Town’s boldest voices alongside international powerhouses Marwan (Spain/Palestine) and Everaldo Creary (Jamaica), this dynamic fusion of poetry and hip-hop culture turns one of the city’s trendiest creative spaces into a playground of expression and sound.
September 25: Drumstruck Day @ Silvermist Wine Estate | September 28 (14h00 to 18h00).
This intimate gathering offers a chance to meet and interact with WOMAD’s global artists in a relaxed setting amidst lush vineyards. Members of the renowned Drumstruck ensemble will lead a free-flowing jam session with fellow artists and special guests. A curated wine tasting enhances this celebration of music, artistry, and serenity.
September 25: WOMAD World of Words @ The Book Lounge (18h00)
This showcase champions storytellers and diverse narratives across animation, sci-fi, and musical biography. It sparks new perspectives and empowers the next generation of bold, original storytelling.
September 26: Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert @ St. George’s Cathedral. (19h00 for 19h30)
Building on the success of 2024, this annual celebration of Desmond Tutu’s legacy embraces unity, cultural diversity, and liberation. In partnership with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the event features an exceptional lineup, including the award winning and world-famous Stellenbosch University Choir and international artists from Italy, Belgium, the USA, Spain and Austria. For one unforgettable night, St George’s Cathedral transforms into an immersive musical experience, where 360-degree Virtual Reality and binaural 3D sound place audiences within the choir, streaming the raw emotion of live choral performance worldwide.
Booking essential. Tickets R240 via Quicket.
September 27 & 28: WOMAD Global Sounds @ The Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront (14h00 – 19h00).
Experience a two-day sonic voyage across continents—free and open to all. From Ned Evett’s fretless glass guitar (USA) and Italy’s lyrical duo Pepe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla, to kora virtuoso N’Faly Kouyate’ from Belgium, Chilean electro-pop phenom Entropica and Austria’s enchanting Alicia Edelweiss, the lineup brims with international stars. Joining the global groove are Angola’s Toty Sa’Med, Jamaica’s Everaldo Creary, Zimbabwe’s Divine Mahara, and Mexico’s Last Jeronimo. Local legends like Cape Town’s ska-reggae powerhouse The Rudimentals and east-west fusion ensemble Ragas Beyond Borders add homegrown fire.
The weekend climaxes with a transatlantic fusion: Cape Town’s goema and Kaapse soul collides with New Orleans mardi gras—featuring Dwayne Dopsie, Damon Batiste, Dizu Plaatjies, Muneeb Hermans, and Mansoor Joseph’s Cape Minstrels—for an unforgettable genre-bending finale.
September 25, 26, 27 & 28: WOMAD Fringe Highlights.
Experience intimate and up-close performances at Ferryman’s and Quay 4 where global sounds come to life in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant waterfront!
September 27: Kidz 4 Kulture – Community Outreach Workshops (11h00 – 13h00)
WOMAD’s dedication to youth empowerment comes to life through interactive workshops, led by international artists in Kronendal (Music Academy), Bonteheuwel (Cameron Oliver Foundation), and Nyanga (Arts Development Centre). Designed to inspire the next generation of creatives and cultivate cross-cultural connections, these sessions offer a vibrant space where creativity and global influence converge.
September 29 – October 11: WOMAD Karoo-Winelands Cultural Experience
A groundbreaking cultural journey through five lesser-known towns along the R62. Featuring
concerts, workshops, and curated tourism experiences, this initiative celebrates local heritage
while driving economic growth and sustainable cultural tourism.
From city streets to rural heartlands, WOMAD 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a movement.
A celebration of rhythm, resilience, and the shared human spirit.
“Cape Town welcomes WOMAD with open arms. This festival celebrates culture, diversity, and global connection, boosting our city’s recognition and creativity. To all attending—enjoy this extraordinary week!”
Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town
We’re thrilled to once again host the WOMAD Festival at the V&A Waterfront. As a neighbourhood that champions cultural celebration, we’re proud to support this incredible event and unforgettable experience.”
Donald Kau, Head of Comms & PR at the V &A Waterfront.
WOMAD South Africa 2025 is made possible with the generous support of their Sponsors and Partners:
Hosted by the City of Cape Town, with special gratitude to the Embassy of Spain, European Union, Delegation of Flanders – Embassy of Belgium, Austrian Cultural Forum, High Commission of Jamaica, Ministerio de las Culturas – Gobierno de Chile, WESGRO, Yes 4 Youth, Fine Music Radio, Cape Town TV, Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, St. George’s Cathedral, Lift Air and the V&A Waterfront.
Press Contact / Media Passes
Alexis Matsimela
- +27 82 949 6681
- alexis.matsimela@gmail.com
