SA: Fête de la Musique announces 2023 headliners

They are Morena Leraba, Simmy, Tshepang Ramoba, Nomfusi and Musa Mashiane. They will be joined by L8 Antique, Angelyric, Madkind, Kekelingo, Kazi Ya Sanaa, PG_13, LUUKHANYO, The Charles Géne Suite, Sfiso Atomza, uKhoiKhoi, The Cooligans, ThuliThulz, SHAKES, MazwiDaDj and SweeterBrown.

Playing at Newtown Junction, Simmy is an exciting addition to the line-up. Her music blends elements of electronic dance music, neo-soul and experimental pop. Simmy’s heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies have earned her widespread acclaim, describing her music as nostalgic in a sense that is relevant, energising with societal undertones.

Musa Mashiane will join the stage with Simmy and is expected to bring a unique sound experience of Afro-soul, traditional African, soulful R&B, jazz, blues and a strong texture of Afro-melodies. He pulls his inspiration from international singers like Victor Ntoni, Oumou Sangaré, Stevie Wonder and Bobby McFerrin, but delivers it with a truly original African signature.

Victoria Yards will be led by Morena Leraba. The Lesotho-born singer and rapper will bring a refreshing blend of genres to the Fête de la Musique stage. He fuses traditional Sesotho lyrics with electro, Afro-house and hip hop. His lyrics are rooted in the genre, famo – a sub-genre of Sesotho traditional music or poetry.

The second headliner at Vic Yards is Tshepang Ramoba. Known as the versatile drummer of the legendary South African band, BLK JKS, Tshepang Ramoba brings his innovative musical talents to the FDLM stage. Blending elements of hip hop, R&B, jazz and other novel sounds, Tshepang’s music transcends boundaries with its infectious rhythm.

Nomfusi will perform at the Alliance Française. The self-taught singer and songwriter has become well-known for her beautiful mix of genres from joyful township sounds with maskandi guitars to Afro-pop, Afro-soul and soulful ballads with a hint of gospel.

The event is free to attend and will be held with the support of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, Newtown Junction and SAMRO.

About Fête de la Musique

The Fête de la Musique (or World Music Day) is a popular and free music festival that has been taking place each year in France for over 40 years before going international in 2010. Many local and international artists have taken part in the South African event throughout the years and contributed to its success, including Samthing Soweto, Msaki, Nakhane, Zoë Modiga, BLK JKS, Urban Village, BCUC, Berita, Bänz Oester & the Rainmakers and Bombshelter Beast.

More updates about the festival are available here.