Reunion Island stars to headline new Zakifo fest in Durban

The festival aims to connect Africa with the Indian Ocean region and the rest of the world, bringing together some of the region’s biggest international musicians with a diverse and eclectic programme, ranging from pop to reggae and world music as well as indigenous sounds from Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. It boasts an innovative urban festival concept and a world class line-up supported by the best international and local artists.

The festival will feature an impressive line-up of musicians from South Africa, Reunion, Mozambique and as far afield as Brazil, India and France. It will be headlined by Nathalie Natiembé from Reunion, one of the island nation’s greatest musical exports, as well as her compatriots Grèn Sémé. Music fans can also look forward to performances by Flavia Coelho (Brazil), Nucleya (India), Epic Empire (France) and 340ml Soundsystem (Mozambique).

Of the local South African talent on offer, guitarist Madala Kunene needs no introduction, being one of Durban's most prolific sons. This musical legend will take to the stage at City Hall on 11 June alongside SAMA-winners The Soil. Other local acts in the line-up include Mi Casa, John Wizards, Christian Tiger School, Tumi and plenty of others.

The Zakifo festival kicks off on 11 June at the historic Durban City Hall. It continues on 12 and 13 June at the newly refurbished Rivertown Beer Hall.