Fête de la Musique 2026 full programme announced!
18 June 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
📅 Saturday, 20 June 2026
📍 Victoria Yards, Lorentzville
🕐 1PM – 7PM
🎟 FREE ENTRY
The Fête de la Musique returns to Victoria Yards for its 15th edition on Saturday, 20 June 2026, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of musical expression, community, and cultural exchange.
True to the spirit of the original French concept launched in 1982, the Fête de la Musique is first and foremost a festival for amateur musicians – a platform for anyone who plays music to share their passion with the public. Since its arrival in Johannesburg 15 years ago, it has become one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, known for its accessibility, diversity, and celebration of local talent.
The 2026 line-up features acts selected from more than 300 applications by a panel of international and local music experts. Headliners include Zoë Modiga, The Brother Moves On, and lordkez, alongside artists Renaissance, [kimetsu.], Zykes Madiga, Thoknique, Namakau Star, Tessi Nandi, Thula Khumalo, Measuretutti Vocal Ensemble, Little Music
School in the Valley, Shameless Band, Lesedi Ntsane, and Khulu. Poets include Zama Madinana, Xtremepoet, and SheisMitch. Hector Dibakoane will MC the event at Victoria Yards.
Performances will take place across three music stages at Victoria Yards:
The Warehouse (Stage 1)
●14:00 - Measuretutti Vocal Ensemble
●15:00 - Thula Khumalo
●16:00 - Tessi Nandi
●17:00 - [kimetsu.]
●18:00 - Zoë Modiga
Tiered Garden (Stage 2)
●13:15 - Little School of Music in the Valley
●14:15 - Xtremepoet
●15:00 - Shameless Band
●16:00 - Khulu
●17:00 - Lesedi Ntsane
●18:00 - The Brother Moves On
Western Courtyard (Stage 3)
●14:00 - Thoknique
●15:00 - Zykes Magida
●16:00 - Renaissance
●17:00 - Namakau Star
●18:00 - lordkez
RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg
Running throughout the afternoon, RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg will offer a space for audience participation and conversation. Poet SheisMitch will perform at 13:00, followed by poet Zama Madinana at 16:00. The remaining sessions will be open to members of the public wishing to share a one-minute idea, memory, reflection, confession, question or story inspired by the theme, ‘The Songs I Return To’.
Attendance is free.
Dorine Lebreton, Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS): “As Fête de la Musique in Johannesburg celebrates its 15th edition, we are proud to continue providing a platform that supports artistic expression and cultural exchange”.
Brad Holmes, Managing Director of Bassline: “We experienced an overwhelming response from artists, with applications coming through so quickly that we were required to close the application process earlier than anticipated. What has been particularly exciting to witness is the continued growth in the quality of the applications year after year. The artists applying to perform at Fête de la Musique are becoming stronger and more accomplished with each edition”.
About Fête de la Musique
Created in France in 1982, Fête de la Musique is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. The festival encourages musicians of all levels to perform in public spaces and offers free concerts to the public.
Introduced in Johannesburg 15 years ago, the event provides a platform for emerging artists while presenting established performers across a range of musical styles. Previous editions have featured Msaki, BCUC, Samthing Soweto, Vaudou Game, Nakhane, SunEl Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla, among others.
The 2026 edition is organised by the French Institute of South Africa and co-produced by Bassline, with the support of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa. We are also proud to partner with RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg, where members of the public will be invited to share their one-minute ideas on music and catch special appearances by poets and musicians.
Sustainable steps
This year, Fête de la Musique is partnering with the Keep it CKlean (KiCK) initiative to implement green measures throughout the event. Active in Joburg East since 2022, KiCK works with local communities in Wards 66 and 118 to tackle illegal dumping and littering. KiCK will assist with collecting food waste from vendors and ensuring general cleanliness in and around Victoria Yards. Waste separation bins will be provided to encourage responsible disposal of glass, plastic, and paper, helping to reduce the festival’s environmental footprint.
Follow the French Institute of South Africa for updates:
About the French Institute of South Africa
The French Institute of South Africa is the cultural arm of the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi. Based in Johannesburg, it supports artistic, cultural and academic cooperation across the region. Since its inauguration on 12 May 1995, it has facilitated exchanges between institutions, artists and researchers in Southern Africa and France.
About Bassline
Bassline is a Johannesburg-based music production company and venue with a longstanding commitment to live performance and artist development.
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company operating in South Africa and internationally, supporting initiatives in culture, education and community development.
About TEDxJohannesburg
TEDxJohannesburg is a community of curious, open-minded people who celebrate ideas and share them with the world. Every day, they seek out remarkable people doing meaningful work, give them a platform, and amplify their voices. They believe these ideas, shared at sought-after events and through video, can change the world.
About the Alliance Française of Pretoria
Established in 1951, the Alliance Française Pretoria is a non-profit organisation, located in the hub of diplomatic embassies. It’s an ideal place to learn French, at your own pace according to your personal objectives. Our teachers are trained to use all communicative methods and will pass on their love of the language to you in a professional and relaxed atmosphere
