Nkalakatha Fest set to honour Mandoza’s Legacy
Nkalakatha Fest 2026 will bring the celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage home to Soweto, honouring the legacy of the late Mandoza and marking 10 years since his passing.
he Mandoza Foundation, in partnership with the Soweto Theatre, hosted the Nkalakatha Fest 2026 media launch and line-up reveal on September 18 at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.
The festival is set to take place on December 19, bringing together a diverse line-up of Kwaito artists, from legendary pioneers to today’s stars.
Audiences can expect a musical journey spanning Kwaito, Maskandi, house and Amapiano, celebrating the evolution and lasting influence of South African music.
Nkalakatha Fest 2026 will bring the celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage home to Soweto, honouring the legacy of the late Mandoza and marking 10 years since his passing.
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Under the theme ‘Nkalakatha: The Homecoming’, the festival will celebrate Mandoza’s enduring musical legacy and the impact of his iconic cross-cultural anthem Nkalakatha, which continues to represent unity in South African music.
Speaking to Urban News, the late Mandoza’s wife, Mpho Tshabalala, said the Nkalakatha Fest Homecoming aims to uplift the area where Mandoza grew up and where his career began.
She said they have only revealed 10 artists, honouring the 10 years since his passing, but more artists will be revealed.
“This festival is very close to my heart, especially because it is happening in Soweto. I am a Soweto girl, and Mandoza was a Soweto boy. For me, calling it the Homecoming is meaningful because we are bringing his music and legacy back to the place where he grew up and where his journey began.
“I hope people will come out in numbers so that we can all come together and celebrate Mandoza’s life, music and the legacy he left behind,” she said.
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Speaking to attendees, Soweto Theatre Head of Marketing Lungile Masondo said the theatre is committed to hosting events that resonate with the people of Soweto.
She said Nkalakatha Fest is an opportunity to bring a bigger and better celebration to the community while showcasing the rich musical heritage of Soweto.
“This is where the Mandoza dream started, and it’s only fair that we bring it back to the people. We are grateful that Mpho saw the shared vision, because we are here now, bringing this celebration back to where it all started and giving the people of Soweto an opportunity to be part of it,” she said.
