NEW GENERATIONS: WHERE CAPE TOWN’S YOUNG MUSICIANS MEET THE WORLD
WOMAD South Africa brings young Cape Town artists into global creative collaborations this Heritage Month
19 September 2026 | 13:30 | Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
This Heritage Month, WOMAD South Africa is putting the next generation of musicians at the centre of international cultural exchange with New Generations, a concert bringing together rising South African artists, international collaborators and 10 young Cape Flats drummers at Artscape Theatre on 19 September at 13:30.
Part of WOMAD South Africa’s wider 15–24 September festival series, New Generations reflects WOMAD’s founding vision of using music, arts and cultural exchange to connect people across borders.
But this is not simply a showcase of young artists. It is about giving the next generation an opportunity to meet the world, collaborate across cultures and see themselves as active participants in the global music community.
When artists connect across continents | South Africa meets Aotearoa
Freddy L x Kimyan (Austria / DR Congo)
One of the concert’s most compelling collaborations brings together Cape Town artist Freddy L and Congolese-Austrian musician, producer and multidisciplinary artist Kimyan.
The artists began exchanging creative ideas while living in different parts of the world, connecting online before meeting in person only days before the concert. Their collaboration offers a glimpse into how technology is changing the way artists can create together across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Kimyan’s music draws on rhythmic traditions from across Africa and combines them with contemporary electronic production, while Freddy L brings his own South African musical voice to the collaboration.
Their creative process will also extend beyond the stage. A live recording session with learners at the Kwena Music Academy will offer young musicians a behind-the-scenes view of how an international collaboration develops from an initial idea to a live soundscape.
For WOMAD, the process is as important as the final performance: showing young people that they can be creators and collaborators in the global music conversation, rather than simply consumers of it.
Luukhanyo x Kapowairua
The programme continues this spirit of cultural exchange with a special collaboration between LUUKHANYO & The Hii Rollers and Māori artist Kapowairua.
LUUKHANYO’s genre-blending sound draws from hip-hop, R&B, funk and jazz, while Kapowairua brings a distinct Māori musical perspective. Their meeting creates a space for two contemporary musical cultures from opposite sides of the world to find common ground on stage.
The concert also features Mila Smith and Kimyan (Austria / DR), alongside the other emerging artists, creating a programme that moves fluidly between contemporary South African sounds, electronic music and international musical traditions. Mila Smith is a 22-year-old SAMA-nominated singer, songwriter and actress from Cape Town, fast becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting alternative artists. Her latest single “Cake” is gaining traction online, while her new album is generating buzz. Mila is also currently attracting attention for her role as Jodie in the independent SA film Black Burns Fast, which is gaining impressive traction both locally and internationally.
10 young Cape Flats drummers meet Spain
The afternoon opens with a Spanish Cajoneada Drumming Experience, led by the legendary Spanish Pepe Zapata (director) featuring Vicente Gelo (vocals, guitar and cajon), with Thandi Swartbooi and Women Unite, and 10 young Cape Flats drummers.
Traditional and flamenco dancers will join the performance, bringing Spanish rhythm and movement into dialogue with young South African musicians.
It is a simple but powerful expression of what WOMAD seeks to achieve: creating opportunities for people to encounter cultures beyond their own, and to discover what can emerge from that meeting.
A festival built around connection
New Generations forms part of WOMAD South Africa’s broader return to Cape Town from 15–24 September, presenting music, arts, dance, workshops and collaborations involving artists from South Africa and around the world.
The festival’s programme reflects a continuing commitment to international cultural exchange, artistic collaboration and creating platforms for new generations of artists.
For young musicians, the opportunity is particularly significant. They are not simply sharing a stage with international performers; they are working with them, learning from them and creating alongside them.
And that may be the most important message of New Generations: the future of music does not belong to one country, one genre or one generation. It belongs to the spaces where they meet.
NEW GENERATIONS CONCERT
📅 19 September 2026 | 13:30
📍 Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
✨ Featuring:
LUUKHANYO & The Hii Rollers, Freddy L, Mila Smith, Kimyan (Austria / DR), Kapowairua, Pepe Zapata, Fragile. Cajoenada 2.0, Thandi Swartbooi & Women Unite, 10 young Cape Flats drummers Together with a Kwena Music Academy showcase featuring Keely Crocker, Tristan Kruger, Dean de Jongh & Efact.
🎟️ Tickets: R100 via Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1599409420
WOMAD South Africa, bringing the world together through music, arts and cultural exchange. The United 4 Humanity Tutu Concert is just one highlight of WOMAD South Africa’s festival programme, taking place across Cape Town from 15–24 September, featuring international and local artists, performances, workshops and cultural collaborations.
Discover the full programme at womadsa.co.za.
PRESS KIT
WOMAD New Generations Artist Images/Videos & Bio
WOMAD New Generations Social Media Creative Asset
WOMAD Festival Social Media Creative Assets
WOMAD Festival Artist Images & Bios
“We’re proud to unveil our most ambitious WOMAD Cape Town series yet, an explosion of creativity, extraordinary performances, and epic milestones in our nation’s story. In a world full of challenges, WOMAD’s values shine through, celebrating unity, artistry, and the power of culture to inspire hope.”
Dan Chiorboli – WOMAD South Africa Festival Director.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome WOMAD Cape Town 2026 to the Mother City as we once again celebrate the extraordinary power of music, arts and culture to bring people together. Taking place during Heritage Month, WOMAD is a fitting celebration of the diversity that enriches our city and our country, while welcoming artists and audiences from around the world. On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I wish every performer, resident and visitor an inspiring, joyful and unforgettable WOMAD Cape Town 2026”
Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town
“This year, as Artscape marks 55 years of journeying from exclusivity towards inclusivity, cultural exchange is not just a word we use. It is an active, conscious decision to allow artists from across the globe to share their life experiences through music and art, enriching audiences and enriching themselves on a shared journey that reminds us we are all human beings. Artscape is honoured to partner with WOMAD, a festival founded by the visionary, world-renowned artist Peter Gabriel, to spread a message of peace through music.”
Marlene Le Roux, Arscape CEO
“We’re excited to kick off celebrations of Desmond Tutu’s 95 birthday with this incredible line-up at the WOMAD festival! Music is one of the most powerful tools we have to unite people across cultures, genres, geographies, and divides. We know the Arch would be dancing in the aisles, and we hope you will be too!”
Janet Jobson, Leah & Desmond Tutu Foundation CEO
