Entertainment
Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2027 Reveals First Line-Up
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has announced its first group of performers for its 2027 edition, with Simphiwe Dana, the Mahotella Queens, Ballaké Sissoko and Mohini Dey among the artists confirmed. The announcement also includes Bongeziwe Mabandla, The Joy, Internet Athi, Vuyo Viwe, Thandeka Mfinyongo, Emma Nissen and Yarwood.
The festival will run from March 4 to 26, 2027, under the theme March: The Month of the Mother City. The expanded programme will take performances and cultural activities to venues and public spaces across Cape Town, with the main festival weekend scheduled for March 19 to 21.

Photo: Instagram/@Mahotella Queens
Among the South African performers, Dana’s appearance with special guest Mabandla is one of the key pairings. Dana is known for combining jazz, soul and African musical influences, while Mabandla draws on folk music and isiXhosa songwriting. His albums include Mangaliso, iimini and amaXesha.
The Mahotella Queens will also perform, bringing their contribution to South African mbaqanga music to the festival. Formed in Johannesburg in 1964, the group became known for its vocal harmonies and recordings that helped popularise the genre.
The Joy, a five-member a cappella group from Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, will represent the country’s isicathamiya tradition. The group has gained international recognition through its performances and musical collaborations. Cape Town-born Internet Athi, whose real name is Athenkosi Cetyana, is also on the line-up. His music combines jazz, folk and R&B.
Flautist and composer Vuyo Viwe and musician Thandeka Mfinyongo are among the other local performers. Mfinyongo is an ethnomusicologist who works with traditional Xhosa instruments, including the uhadi and umrhubhe.

Photo: Instagram/@Mohini Dey
The international line-up includes Malian kora player Ballaké Sissoko, Indian bassist Mohini Dey and Swedish-American vocalist Emma Nissen. Sissoko is known for his work with the 21-string kora and his collaborations with musicians across different genres, including French cellist Vincent Ségal.
Dey has performed with musicians such as Steve Vai and A.R. Rahman, drawing on jazz fusion, funk and progressive music. Yarwood, another announced performer, is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose music incorporates alternative soul and R&B.
The festival’s expanded programme will include masterclasses, panel discussions, an art exhibition, a fashion show and community performances. Confirmed venues include the Company’s Garden, Greenmarket Square, St George’s Cathedral, Artscape Theatre Centre, the Homecoming Centre, Texas Nightclub, Youngblood-Africa Gallery and Guga S’thebe in Langa.

Photo: Instagram/@Ballaké Sissoko
The Homecoming weekend will take place on March 12 and 13, with activities at the Homecoming Centre and Texas Nightclub. Free community concerts are scheduled for Guga S’thebe on March 14 and Greenmarket Square on March 17. The main festival weekend will run from March 19 to 21, with a family day also planned.
Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has hosted South African and international musicians since 2000. Further performer announcements and programme details are expected ahead of the 2027 event. Early-bird ticket information is available through the festival’s official website.
Entertainment
Dating #NoFilter South Africa Season 3 Premieres on Bravo
Dating #NoFilter South Africa returned for its third season on Sunday, 18 October 2026, bringing a new group of singles to the dating show alongside a commentary team led by comedian, actor and television personality Jason Goliath. The series airs on Bravo Africa, DStv Channel 124, at 19:00.
The format follows singles as they go on blind dates, with a panel of South African entertainers providing commentary on their encounters. The panel watches the conversations unfold and reacts to the interactions, giving viewers a second perspective on the dates.

Photo: Supplied
Goliath is joined by 19 commentators from comedy, television, music and digital entertainment. The line-up includes Angela Linda, Carpo More, Carvin Goldstone, Celeste Ntuli, Dee Koala, Dillan Oliphant, Jesse Suntele, Jo-Anne Reyneke, Khanyi Mbau, Kim Jayde, Lilian Dube, Noluthando Shabalala, Nomthandazo Rubushe, Okay Wasabi, PD Jokes, Primo Baloyi, Rosette Ncwana, Rouge and Toolz.

Photo: Supplied
The cast brings together personalities from different corners of the local entertainment industry. Comedians Celeste Ntuli, Carvin Goldstone and Dillan Oliphant join musicians Dee Koala and Rouge, while actors and television personalities Khanyi Mbau, Jesse Suntele and Jo-Anne Reyneke are also part of the team. Content creators and presenters round out the group.
Season 3 also sees the return of Carpo More and Jo-Anne Reyneke, both of whom have appeared in the show’s previous seasons. Khanyi Mbau, Jesse Suntele, Lilian Dube and Celeste Ntuli join the commentary team for the first time, bringing new personalities into the show’s established format.

Photo: Supplied
Filming took place across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. The season also features Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles as its headline sponsor, with vehicles transporting contestants to and from their dates. The journeys provide a setting for conversations and reactions before and after the encounters. Tata’s 1.2-litre Turbo Osprey SUV also makes its on-screen debut during the season. Telkom and Stretton’s Gin are associate partners.
Produced by Brainstorm Entertainment Media for NBCUniversal International Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, Dating #NoFilter South Africa is a local adaptation of the international dating format that originally aired on E! in the United States. The African version is the format’s fourth international adaptation, with NBCUniversal Formats responsible for global distribution.

Photo: Supplied
The South African series debuted in 2024, followed by a second season in 2025. Season 3 continues the format of pairing blind dates with commentary from local entertainers, with singles taking part in encounters that the panel observes and discusses.
The third season premiered on Bravo Africa on 18 October 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 20 December 2026. Episodes air at 19:00 on DStv Channel 124.
Entertainment
What to Expect at FAME Week Africa 2026
Cape Town will host FAME Week Africa 2026 from 28 October to 1 November, bringing together professionals from film, television, music, fashion and entertainment. The main market and conference programme will run from 28 to 30 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2), with associated events continuing into the weekend.
The programme combines industry discussions with fashion presentations, music events and film screenings, connecting South African creatives with professionals working across the continent’s entertainment industries.
Film and Television at MIP Africa

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MIP Africa brings together professionals involved in film production, television, content distribution and co-production. Its focus includes the business of developing, financing and selling screen content.
The 2026 programme includes discussions on financing, intellectual property, distribution, storytelling and artificial intelligence. Micro-drama storytelling is also among the subjects being explored.
Producers developing new projects can use the event to explore potential partnerships and distribution opportunities. Those interested in pitching projects should check the official programme for submission requirements and eligibility details.
African Fashion at Tastes + Threads

Photo: Supplied
Fashion will feature through the African Fashion Forum and Tastes + Threads, scheduled for 28 October. The runway presentation, Threads of Africa: From the Streets to the World, is divided into two chapters.
Urban Pulse focuses on contemporary streetwear, with S.W.A.N.K. Jozi, Emotives x THETHANA and House of Xandria among the participating labels.
Africa Elevated highlights couture, craftsmanship and luxury ready-to-wear, featuring Neimil, GUGUBYGUGU, Viviers and Jacques La Grange Couture.
The presentation brings together designers working across different areas of African fashion, from streetwear to luxury design.
Muziki Africa and the Music Business

Photo: Supplied
Muziki Africa takes place on 28 October, bringing together professionals from across the music industry. Topics include music rights, licensing, publishing, marketing and technology.
The Muziki Africa Sync Hub connects music rights holders with film and television producers seeking music for screen projects. These meetings can create opportunities for original compositions and existing recordings to be licensed for productions.
The wider programme also includes the Pretty Loud Summit on 29 and 30 October, while Music Exchange is scheduled for 31 October.
FAME Shorts Film Festival

Photo: Supplied
The FAME Shorts Film Festival is scheduled for 30 October to 1 November. Its screenings form part of the wider programme, alongside professional discussions about film production and distribution.
The festival gives filmmakers a platform to present short films and allows audiences to discover work from African and international creators. Visitors should confirm the screening venue, film selection and ticket information before attending.
AI and the Creative Economy

Photo: Supplied
Artificial intelligence, intellectual property and content distribution are among the issues relevant to the conference programme. These subjects affect how creative projects are produced, financed, protected and distributed.
For filmmakers, musicians and digital creators, understanding ownership rights and emerging technologies is increasingly important. Attendees can consult the session schedule to identify discussions relevant to their work.
Industry Meetings and International Connections

Photo: Supplied
FAME Week Africa connects creative businesses with buyers, broadcasters, distributors, commissioning editors and potential partners. Producers can explore distribution and co-production opportunities, while music professionals can investigate licensing and connections with screen producers.
Fashion professionals can also engage with people working in costume design and visual storytelling. The programme allows visitors to focus on meetings and events relevant to their interests.
Dates, Venue and Tickets

Photo: Supplied
FAME Week Africa 2026 runs from 28 October to 1 November in Cape Town.
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2.
MIP Africa: 28–30 October.
Muziki Africa: 28 October.
Tastes + Threads: 28 October.
Pretty Loud Summit: 29–30 October.
FAME Shorts Film Festival: 30 October–1 November.
Music Exchange: 31 October.
Ticket prices and access vary by pass, so visitors should confirm current costs and inclusions before registering.
With film, television, fashion and music represented across its programme, FAME Week Africa 2026 brings several parts of the creative industries together in Cape Town.
Entertainment
October 2026 Gig Guide: The Shows, Concerts and Festivals on Our Radar
October 2026 is bringing a live entertainment calendar to South Africa. There are international stars, major festivals and theatre productions that will rake over venues across Gauteng and take Western Cape. These are some of the shows, concerts and festivals on the radar this month.
Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour

Photo: Getty Images
UK rapper Dave kicks off October with two South African dates. He performs at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 3 October before heading to Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on 6 October. The shows are part of his The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour.
Spring Fiesta 2026

Photo: Getty Images
Spring Fiesta returns to Wild Waters in Boksburg on 3 October for a full day of dance music. The festival will feature stages covering house, deep house, hip-hop and electronic music. The line-up includes Atjazz, Jullian Gomes, Dwson, Kid Fonque, KUDbEU, Aquatone and Vinny Da Vinci with DJ Christos amongst others.
In The City JHB: Isaiah Rashad
Isaiah Rashad brings In The City JHB to Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena on 4 October. The American rapper will be joined by UK R&B singer Sinead Harnett and rum.gold.
Read Also: Kelvin Momo Set to Host “One Man Concert” in Durban
Mamma Mia! The Musical
Fans of musical theatre can catch Mamma Mia! at Artscape in Cape Town until 11 October. The production stars Amra-Faye Wright as Donna Sheridan, with Samantha Peo as Tanya, Lindy Abromowitz as Rosie and Leah Mari as Sophie. Directed by Janice Honeyman, the South African production features songs from ABBA.
Back to the City Festival

Photo: Getty Images
Johannesburg’s Back to the City Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary on 10 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. It features international acts including Ab-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile. Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline and Trompies among the South African acts on the lineup. Guests will also be treated to street art, fashion, skateboarding, gaming and DJ battles.
Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo returns to South Africa for two October shows. The singer performs at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on 17 October and SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 18 October. Songs to expect include “So Sick”, “Miss Independent”, “Closer” and “Because of You”.
Zonke: The Evergreen Series
Zonke brings The Evergreen Series to Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 24 October. The South African Afro-soul singer will perform with a 30-piece live band, revisiting songs from across her career.
Ultimate R&B Experience Tour
Cape Town gets another major R&B date on 28 October when Brian McKnight, All-4-One and SWV perform at Grand Arena, GrandWest. The concert will bring together R&B hits from the 1990s and early 2000.
Brian McKnight and All-4-One are scheduled to perform at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 30 and 31 October.
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