Celebrating Heritage Month: WOMAD South Africa brings music and culture together
South African photojournalist and cultural organiser Rashid Lombard will be honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Image: Brenton Geach/Independent Newspapers (Archives)
This Heritage Month, South Africa takes center stage for an unprecedented cultural celebration blending music, art, and humanity:
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) South Africa, a world-renowned festival founded by Peter Gabriel, will bring global and local artists together on one stage, alongside community workshops and a 3D immersive concert at Cape Town’s iconic St George’s Cathedral, raising funds for the Tutu Legacy Foundation.
The celebration honours over 30 years of democracy, diverse South African heritage, and our place in the global cultural dialogue.
The festivities begin on September 23 with the Cape Connect Launch, where music legends Marlene le Roux, George Werner, Pedro Espi Sanchis, Craig Parks, and Rashid Lombard (posthumously) will be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
WOMAD Lifetime Achievement Awards honour unsung South African heroes of heritage and humanity.
Marlene le Roux – Tireless arts activist and cultural leader, championing access, inclusion, and transformation through the power of performance, and CEO of Artscape.
George Werner – Renowned jazz pianist and educator, nurturing generations of musicians and shaping South Africa’s jazz landscape. Co-founder of The Little Giants.
Pedro Espi Sanchis – Beloved storyteller and musician, better known as Pedro the Music Man, known for weaving African tales and sounds into timeless performances.
Craig Parks – Visionary arts curator and mentor, dedicated to uplifting community voices and nurturing creative expression. Founder of Jazzathon.
Rashid Lombard – Iconic photographer and festival pioneer, preserving jazz history while building a platform.
Beyond the launch, the festival is creating real community impact through youth workshops in Langa, Bonteheuwel, Kronendal Academy, and the Karoo-Winelands, where young people will work with global artists to build skills, confidence, and cultural understanding.
The celebrations will culminate at the United 4 Humanity Concert on September 26 at St George’s Cathedral, featuring the Stellenbosch University Choir alongside international artists such as Ned Evett, Alicia Edelweiss, Marwan, and more.
United 4 Humanity is the festival’s flagship initiative that unites world-class musicians, storytellers, and cultural leaders to spark conversations on social cohesion and humanity.
With an immersive 360° sound and visual experience, every audience member will get to enjoy the performance from any angle.
Every ticket purchased is an opportunity to do good, supporting the Tutu Foundation’s humanitarian efforts and continuing Archbishop Tutu’s legacy of peace, justice, and hope.
Tickets are available via Quicket. For more details, please visit the WOMAD SA website and social media pages.
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