Fête de la Musique Joburg announces 2021 line-up

The event was initially slated to take place in June, but was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

The confirmed artists include Basadi ba Mintsu (Mozambique), Simba Ci (Zimbabwe), Andee (Canada), DJ Binz (UK) and Sun Xa Experiment (South Africa). They will be joined by local acts like Manu Grace, Melo B Jones, Mx Blouse, Ms Party, Bobo Jay Nzima, Ikati Esengxoweni, LaliBoi, Sibusiso Mashiloane, Spokenpriestess, Tshepang Ramoba and Shotgun Tori and the Hound. The headline acts and venues are expected to be announced in September.

“After receiving the highest number of entries in the history of the Fête de la Musique in South Africa, and a rigorous judging session, organisers announce the immensely talented live bands and DJs representing diverse sounds and musical backgrounds who will perform at the event on 18 September 2021,” Fête de la Musique said.

French embassy cultural attaché Selen Daver said: “Over the last decade, Fête de la Musique has grown to be one of the most anticipated experiences amongst avid festivalgoers in Johannesburg. After the postponement of last year's event, we are happy to be back again, this time in four different locations, with limited capacity to ensure everyone's safety. Our goal is to make live music accessible for all while giving young musicians a space to reach a broad audience.”

Fête de la Musique was founded by former French minister of arts and culture Jack Lang and French composer and music journalist Maurice Fleuret in 1982. The festival is now celebrated in more than 120 countries around the world. The event is courtesy of the French Institute of South Africa and Alliance Française of Johannesburg, in partnership with Bassline Live and Newtown Junction, with support from Total South Africa. Artists who have performed at Fête de la Musique in Johannesburg include Samthing Soweto, Vaudou Game, Nakhane, BLK JKS, Urban Village, BCUC and Msaki.