The Fête de la Musique returns to Victoria Yards for its 15th edition on Saturday, 20 June, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of musical expression, community, and cultural exchange.
True to the spirit of the original French concept launched in 1982, the Fête de la Musique is first and foremost a festival for amateur musicians – a platform for anyone who plays music to share their passion with the public. Since its arrival in Johannesburg 15 years ago, it has become one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, known for its accessibility, diversity, and celebration of local talent.
The 2026 line-up features acts selected from more than 300 applications by a panel of international and local music experts. Headliners include Zoë Modiga, The Brother Moves On, and lordkez, alongside artists Renaissance, [kimetsu.], Zykes Madiga, Thoknique, Namakau Star, Tessi Nandi, Thula Khumalo, Measuretutti Vocal Ensemble, Little Music School in the Valley, Shameless Band, Lesedi Ntsane, and Khulu. Poets include Zama Madinana, Xtremepoet, and SheisMitch.
Hector Dibakoane will MC the event at Victoria Yards.
Performances will take place across three music stages at Victoria Yards:
The Warehouse (Stage 1)
● 14:00 – Measuretutti Vocal Ensemble
● 15:00 – Thula Khumalo
● 16:00 – Tessi Nandi
● 17:00 – [kimetsu.]
● 18:00 – Zoë Modiga
Tiered Garden (Stage 2)
● 13:15 – Little School of Music in the Valley
● 14:15 – Xtremepoet
● 15:00 – Shameless Band
● 16:00 – Khulu
● 17:00 – Lesedi Ntsane
● 18:00 – The Brother Moves On
Western Courtyard (Stage 3)
● 14:00 – Thoknique
● 15:00 – Zykes Madiga
● 16:00 – Renaissance
● 17:00 – Namakau Star
● 18:00 – lordkez
RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg
Running throughout the afternoon, RedCircle by TEDxJohannesburg will offer a space for audience participation and conversation. Poet SheisMitch will appear at 13:00, followed by poet Zama Madinana at 16:00. The remaining sessions will be open to members of the public wishing to share a one-minute idea, memory, reflection, confession, question or story inspired by the theme, ‘The Songs I Return To’.
Attendance is free, with tickets for the Johannesburg edition available through Webtickets. 3000 tickets are available for advance booking, while 1000 places will be allocated to walk-in attendees on the day of the event.
