Program
2025

As part of WOMAD South Africa 2025, the Cajón Expo project, founded by Pepe Zapata, together with master craftsman Antonio García of Katho Percusión, will present an innovative prototype of a flamenco cajón, manufactured with CNC technology.

This workshop is not only about music but also about creating social impact by training and generating employment opportunities for unemployed youth in Cape Town. With the support of YES4YOUTH, participants will engage in a transformative learning experience that combines musical craftsmanship, creativity, and pathways to professional growth.

Centered on the flamenco cajón—an ideal instrument for musical initiation—participants will build their own instrument under the guidance of experts, exploring both traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. The company Kestrel Routing has contributed by providing wood and assisting in the construction, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the project.

The workshop is made possible thanks to the funding and strategic role of the Embassy of Spain in South Africa, which fosters this cultural bridge between Spain and South Africa within the framework of WOMAD, using music as a powerful tool for social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

Unveils WOMAD’s bold vision, showcases the Spanish-led La Cajoneada, introduces a new philanthropic foundation, an exciting connection with New Orleans, and honours Marlene le Roux, George Werner, Pedro Espi Sanchis, Craig Parks and Rashid Lombard (posthumously) with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

1. School of Rock (13h00):
   The Claremont branch’s top teen House Band in a dynamic all South African set.
2. Hip Hop in the Hood (13h45):
   Hip-hop pioneer Emile Jansen releases Heal the Hood, energizing Cape Town’s youth and schools in a celebration of local hip-hop culture.
3. Zwelihle Youth Choir (15h30):
   The sound of tomorrow pulses with youthful exuberance.
4. La Cajoneada (16h00):
   A powerful experience of 100 cajon drummers joining forces—led by Victor Garcia and Thandi Swartbooi, under the artistic direction of Spain’s Pepe Zapata and backed by the Embassy of Spain.

V & A Buskers: Showcases the Zwelihle Youth Choir and the best of the Waterfront’s talented Buskers.

An intimate wine tasting experience and jam session featuring the renowned Drumstruck Ensemble and WOMAD international artists.

Marwan Abu-Tahoun Recio (Spain/Palestine), Susanna Kennedy & Vusumuzi Mpofu.

Celebrate Desmond Tutu’s legacy with a vibrant fusion of unity, cultural diversity, and liberation—featuring Stellenbosch University Choir; N’Faly Kouyate’ Trio (Belgium); Ned Evett (USA); Pepe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla (Italy); Alicia Edelweiss (Austria) & Marwan Abu-Tahoun Recio (Spain/Palestine).

Booking essential. Tickets R240 via Quicket.

Entropica (Chile) | Ragas Beyond Borders | Marwan Abu-Tahoun Recio (Spain/Palestine) | Alicia Edelweiss (Austria) | Last Jeronimo (Mexico) & Divine Mahara (Zimbabwe) | Pepe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla (Italy) | Ned Evett w Special Guest N’Faly Kouyate’ (USA) | The Rudimentals

(V & A Buskers in between sets)

1. Cameron Oliver Foundation, Bonteheuwel (11h00 – 13h00)
   Presented by Ned Evett (USA)
2. Arts Development Centre, Nyanga (11h00 – 13h00)
   Presented by N’Faly Kouyate’, Muriel Kouyate’ and Saran Werner (Belgium)
3. Artscape iSibaya (11h00 – 13h00)
   Art of Songwriting presented by Alicia Edelweiss (Austria) with Pepe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla (Italy).
4. Kronendal Music Academy (11h00 – 13h00)
   Presented by Last Jeronimo (Mexico)

Busking gets magical with Austria’s Alicia Edelweiss’s life story.

Entropica (Chile) | Alicia Edelweiss (Austria) | Ned Evett (USA) | Pepe Voltarelli & Luca Ciarla (Italy) | Marwan Abu-Tahoun Recio (Spain/Palestine) | N’Faly Kouyate’ Trio (Belgium/Guinea) | Cape Cultural Experience feat Muneeb Hermans and Mansoor Joseph, celebrates the vibrant Cape Sound. Special guest Damon Batiste (New Orleans, USA).

(V & A Buskers in between sets)