Music and advocacy will come together on Saturday, March 21, 2026, when the Divas International Music Festival takes over Coronation Park as part of Human Rights Month.
The festival, held under the theme “Voices That Heal”, is designed to confront gender-based violence (GBV) while celebrating the creative power of women in South Africa.
Organisers say the event will not only provide entertainment but also create platforms for awareness, empowerment, and economic participation for women and youth in the creative sector.
“Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBVF as a national disaster in November 2025, the Divas International Festival positions music as a national instrument for awareness, advocacy, and women’s economic participation,” said Temoso Mokoena, project manager at TANK KOMS, the festival’s organisers.
“Aligned with Human Rights Month, the festival moves beyond symbolic engagement by activating creative platforms that contribute to healing, empowerment, and measurable social action.”
The festival features an all-female line-up including Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, Mafikizolo, Nkosazana Daughter, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Abigail Kubeka, Zenzi Makeba Lee with the Makeba Band, and rising soul singer Snenaah, with additional performers to be announced.
“Being part of the Divas International Festival is a full-circle moment for me; it’s not just about music, it’s about meaning. To share a stage with legends like Mafikizolo and Abigail Kubeka, and to be mentioned in celebration of the late, iconic Miriam Makeba, whose legacy continues to inspire strength and courage in African women, reminds me that every dream, no matter how small or fragile, deserves to be fought for,” said Zee Nxumalo.
Legendary performer Abigail Kubeka will bring her seven-decade career to the stage, connecting South Africa’s foundational artistry with contemporary voices, while rising artists like Zee Nxumalo and Lwah Ndlunkulu provide a new generation’s perspective.
Speaking about her involvement in the concert Lwah Ndlunkulu said, “This festival is deeply important to me because it reminds women that our voices matter and that our stories can heal. I come from a small village where many girls grow up believing their dreams are too big for their surroundings. My journey has taught me that talent and determination can open doors, and I want my music to be a safe space that brings love, peace, and hope to those who need it most.”
A central highlight of the festival is a tribute to the late Dr Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba, marking 17 years since her passing and 62 years since her 1963 United Nations address denouncing apartheid.
Zenzi Makeba Lee and the Makeba Band will perform a commemorative set celebrating Makeba’s enduring influence on music, activism, and global social justice.
The festival is supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) initiative, which invests in South Africa’s creative industries.
Organisers emphasise that the festival creates opportunities for women and youth, not only as performers but also as part of the wider production, marketing, and management ecosystem.
With a star-studded line-up, historic tributes, and a focus on social impact, the festival promises to combine entertainment with a strong, measurable message: that women’s voices can drive change, heal communities, and confront the scourge of GBV in South Africa.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star