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The Folklore Festival has announced the launch of its fifth edition of Fringe shows, a multi-city roadshow geared toward artist development and exposure across multiple disciplines of art. Supported by the National Arts Council, produced by Bupila, the Folklore Community, is embarking on a journey of communion, creativity and creative legacy under the theme #KINFOLK. From the 6th of March to the 9th of April, reaching Durban (6 March), Gqeberha (13 March), Johannesburg (20 March), Pretoria (2 April) and Polokwane (9 April).
Following the success of its first pilot Industry Day, hosted at last year’s edition by the Festival featuring headliners Tubatsi Moloi and showcase artists Siba Sarabi, Mandifeze, Tapcussionist Triad, the National School of the Arts and more. The festival prides itself in its contemporary and indigenous folk narrative toward intergenerational dialogue and bringing together the young and the old, and keeping to its promises the main stage lineup featured the legendary Mahotella Queens, AfroJazz pianist Andile Yenana, Buhlebendalo,Zawadi Yamungi, Jabulile Majola and more.
Each stop on this year’s national roadshow brings together learning and live performance. During the day, artists engage in industry conversations that unpack practical topics such as bookings, independent production, publishing and distribution. In the evening, four emerging regional artists take to the stage across music, poetry, film and dance. An invited panel of industry professionals will provide real-time feedback, while curated networking sessions open doors for collaboration and future opportunity.
Founder and festival curator, Pilani Bubu, says the national expansion is about access that feels tangible. “Folklore has always been about building community,” she says. “With the Fringe Festival, we are meeting artists where they are. #KINFOLK is about recognising that our stories are rooted in place and people. We want to form sustainable long-term relationships in the region and for artists to stay plugged into our community for knowledge, connections and a clearer sense of how to build sustainable careers.
The Folklore Festival Fringe 2026 is calling all musicians, poets, filmmakers and dancers working within indigenous, fusion and contemporary folk forms to apply through the Open Call in their respective provinces. Selected artists will be reviewed by a jury and be eligible for selection for the Folklore Community Management and Booking Agency being launched at the roadshows end.
This year’s festival is building a national conversation about the future of South African folk. It is about visibility and ensuring that regional voices are not sidelined, but central to the country’s cultural story. In addition, BUPILA, the festival producers, are working alongside NEFCISA – National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa (NEFCISA) facilitated by MIAF – The Music In Africa Foundation, as a Host Organisation to build a national work placement programme supported by the IDC’s Social Employment Fund (SEF). The programme is designed to connect at least 1,000 young creatives (participants) with host organisations across South Africa for a minimum of ten months, creating meaningful employment while strengthening the capacity of the sector. NEFCISA focuses on three key themes: Community and Public Art, Digital Inclusion, and Youth Support and Recreation.
This BUPILA ‘Work Readiness Programme’ promises that Industry Days will not only be inspirational but also practical, equipping creatives with the confidence and readiness to step into real opportunities while fostering long-term growth.
Applications for the 2026 Showcase are now open across all six cities – DEADLINE is the 1st of March at Midnight. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing movement redefining what folk can look and sound like in South Africa today.
Artists can sign up on: Folklore Festival Open Call Application