WOMAD SOUTH AFRICA PRESENTS UNITED 4 HUMANITY: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, INCLUSION AND SHARED HUMANITY
International artists, African musical heritage, inclusive dance and cutting-edge technology converge at Artscape this Heritage Month, with all proceeds supporting the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
Cape Town, South Africa – August 2026: This Heritage Month, WOMAD South Africa brings together artists from across South Africa and the world for United 4 Humanity, a special concert at Artscape Theatre on 19 September at 8PM, presented in collaboration with the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
More than a concert, United 4 Humanity explores what happens when cultures, generations, disciplines and technologies meet. From the traditional voices and instruments of Africa to contemporary South African artists and international performers from Europe and beyond, the evening reflects the spirit of cultural exchange at the heart of WOMAD, and the Tutu legacy of connection, dignity, reconciliation and shared humanity.
All proceeds from the concert will support the work of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
When music meets science, technology and inclusion
One of the evening’s most distinctive collaborations is a first-time UK–South Africa artistic encounter between Dyskinetic Duo and Cape Town’s Unmute Dance Company.
Unmute is a pioneering inclusive dance company bringing together artists with and without disabilities. Dyskinetic Duo, a UK electronic music duo, explores the possibilities of music through movement and technology.
Using an innovative motion-sensing glove, Dyskinetic’s artists can translate movement into musical control, allowing greater freedom of movement while live-looping, manipulating and composing music in real time. Working alongside Unmute’s dancers, the performance becomes an evolving conversation between movement and sound.
It is a powerful example of how science and technology can open new possibilities for artistic expression, accessibility and collaboration, placing inclusion at the centre of the creative process rather than treating it as an afterthought.
From African musical heritage to global collaboration
The evening brings together artists whose musical languages span continents and generations.
South Africa’s Ancient Voices brings the rich vocal traditions, rhythms and instruments of Africa to the stage, creating a striking contrast with contemporary and electronic sounds from around the world.
They are joined by South African artists including Jitsvinger and Mansoor Joseph, alongside an international line-up featuring Koko-Jean & The Tonics from Spain, Enrico Cipollini & Cisalpipers from Italy, Anna Fält from Sweden, Susanna Aleksandra from Estonia, Kimyan from Austria and Kapowairu from New Zealand, among others.
Rather than simply presenting international and local artists alongside one another, United 4 Humanity creates opportunities for different cultures, artistic traditions and disciplines to encounter one another.
A vision of cultural exchange
WOMAD — World of Music, Arts and Dance, was founded in 1982 by Peter Gabriel and his collaborators, with a vision of bringing artists and audiences together through music, arts and cultural exchange.
WOMAD South Africa was the first WOMAD festival on the African continent, and its return to Cape Town from 15–24 September 2026 continues that long-standing commitment to connecting audiences with artistic traditions from around the world.
That vision has a natural synergy with the work of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, which carries forward the values of Archbishop Desmond and Mrs Leah Tutu, including reconciliation, compassion, courageous leadership and social justice.
United 4 Humanity brings these ideas together in a shared space, using culture and creativity to encourage connection across differences.
Artscape at 55 and celebrating the Arch at 95
The concert also forms part of a significant year for Artscape, which celebrates its 55th anniversary in 2026. The historic Cape Town institution continues to provide a vital platform for South African and international performing arts, making it a fitting home for an evening centred on cultural exchange and inclusion.
The occasion also coincides with Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 95th birthday year. As part of the wider celebration of his legacy, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation is collaborating with South African designer Gavin Rajah and Pick ‘n Pay on the launch of special Tutu merchandise celebrating the Arch’s life and values.
The collaboration brings together design, heritage, commerce and social purpose, offering another contemporary way to engage with and carry forward Tutu’s legacy.
Together, these milestones speak to a broader idea: heritage is not simply something we remember, it is something we continue to create, reinterpret and share.
A celebration of what connects us
From African musical traditions to global contemporary sounds, from hip-hop to electronic music, and from dance to technology-enabled performance, United 4 Humanity celebrates the creative possibilities that emerge when people are given the opportunity to meet across borders and differences.
In the spirit of both Peter Gabriel’s founding vision for WOMAD and Archbishop Tutu’s enduring belief in our shared humanity, the evening invites audiences to experience music not simply as entertainment, but as a means of connection, understanding and collaboration.
United 4 Humanity Peace Concert
📍 Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
📅 Saturday, 19 September 2026
⏰ 8PM
🎟️ Tickets available through Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1599410602
All proceeds support the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
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
United 4 Humanity Tutu concert Creative Assets / Artist Images + Bio
WOMAD Festival Social Media Creative Assets
WOMAD Festival Artist Images & Bios
Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation Logo
“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
