The heartbeat of Maskandi music is set to echo through the community of Khayelitsha this weekend with the return of the Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival, taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium. The festival promises a premium outdoor musical experience featuring South Africa’s finest Maskandi performers and DJs, alongside vibrant food stalls, lifestyle exhibitions, and cultural showcases. With over 10,000 festivalgoers expected and 50 local traders and exhibitors on site, this is more than just a music event – it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and unity.
The Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival stands as a bold tribute to one of South Africa’s most iconic and influential musical traditions. Rooted in the storytelling and soulful guitar rhythms of Zulu culture, Maskandi has evolved from the rolling hills of KZN to become a national cultural phenomenon – inspiring artists and captivating audiences across different ages. “This is more than just an event,” says Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival. “It’s a cultural movement that honours and elevates Maskandi music while creating opportunities for our community.
We’re bringing the heart of Maskandi to one of Cape Town’s most vibrant townships, not only to celebrate the music but to showcase the incredible talent, energy, and entrepreneurship that thrives here,” they add.
Why Khayelitsha? Why Now?
Khayelitsha – known for its creative pulse and dynamic youth culture – offers the perfectbackdrop for this festival. The event aims to foster community pride, create job opportunities, and support township-based businesses by offering market access to local entrepreneurs. Italso serves as a safe and inclusive platform for cultural expression, giving both emerging and established artists the chance to perform before a diverse and passionate audience.
Those attending can look forward to a stellar line-up featuring celebrated and renowned Maskandi artists, alongside emerging talent, including Limit Nala, uMafikizolo, and Sminofu, all known for their electrifying stage presence and crowd-favourite singalongs. Also set to entertain the audience are popular DJs Thera (award-winning) and Mshayi, of Rands Cape Town fame, among many more acts. Their performances will pay homage to the rich storytelling tradition of Maskandi while introducing contemporary interpretations that resonate with today’s generation. Festival Experience
Attendees can look forward to a full-day celebration of music, dance, and community life at the Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival, taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium.
“The Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival is truly a celebration for everyone. From young peoplereconnecting with their roots to older generations cherishing the authenticity of Maskandi, thefestival provides a meaningful platform for local artists and entrepreneurs, reinforcingKhayelitsha’s reputation as a hub of creativity and resilience”, they add. This festival is our wayof saying: our culture lives, and it deserves to be celebrated right here at home.
Tickets are almost sold out and are available at exclusively via www.webtickets.co.za and willnot be sold at the gate. Attendees are encouraged to bring empty cooler boxes and camp chairsfor a comfortable festival experience. The event will operate as a cashless festival, with iKhokhaspeed points available for all transactions.
