The Mandela Bay Arts Festival is back this summer; live on stages in the Bay stages from 22 February to 2 March 2025. A project of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the event is managed by the National Arts Festival and gives the vibrant talent of the area a platform to perform and exhibit their works for visitors and residents of the city and surrounds.
The artists who will be participating in the Mandela Bay Arts Festival have been announced after being selected from over 216 entrants.The artists were chosen by an Artistic Committee, who worked alongside the National Arts Festival’s Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal to form the final selection. Says Artistic Committee member, Kurt Terblanche, “There were some difficult choices to be made but the Committee considered audience tastes and a balance of work from all across the Nelson Mandela Bay area. We think it’s a strong and diverse programme with something for everybody.” The 2025 selection committee included Zukiswa Cakucaku, Heidi Sampson, Monde Stokwe, Thandile Petshwa. Creshwell October, Zukile Valisa, Mzimkhulu Tom, Kurt Terblanche, Mpumi Cilibe and Vuyelwa Luzipo.
There are exciting new developments for the 2025 programme including hip-hop poetry events, the addition of film, heritage events and workshops, street dance sessions and music concerts. Performances are spread across a number of venues in the CBD and New Brighton and ticket prices will remain affordable at between R50 and R200.
Says Nelson Mandela Bay MMC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, “The Mandela Bay Arts Festival not only provides great entertainment for local and visiting audiences, but it’s also an opportunity to see the kids who grew up on our streets performing on stage or in a band. These are our neighbours and our friends we are supporting! By building more opportunities for our artists, we are stimulating the creative economy and independent incomes.”
The 2025 Mandela Bay Arts Festival is the third iteration of the Festival, which was first staged in 2022. The 2024 Festival saw significant growth and engaged audiences in the 25-34 years and 35-44 age categories respectively, with a more or less equal split across male and female (57% female versus 43% male). Students also supported the Festival, accounting for 12 % of attendees. Most of the visitors came from the Nelson Mandela Bay area and the diverse population groups of the region were well represented at the Festival.
Says National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton, “When we surveyed our 2024 audiences, it was encouraging to find that 60% of the festival participants we spoke to had attended more than ten Mandela Bay Arts Festival events over the 2022 and 2024 Festivals. This speaks to a growing appetite for the festival style ‘cultural binge’ where audiences become fully immersed in the event and keep coming back to try new and interesting things.”
Tickets sales will go live on 4 December 2024.
These are the shows that have been selected for the 2025 Mandela Bay Arts Festival:
THEATRE
Ibhinqa (Theatre)
Lungelwa Magqamfana
A powerful play that sheds light on the harsh realities of abuse and betrayal. The story follows the lives of three women who are all victims of the same man—a family member and a husband to one of them. This man, who has manipulated and hurt those closest to him, has also fathered a child with his own sister, resulting in the birth of a beautiful baby girl.
Kwathi ke Kaloku Ngantsomi (Children’s Theatre)
Ngantsomi Abongile Manka
The tradition of iintsomi (storytelling) is at the heart of this foundation phase theatre production told by a narrator, uMakhulu. Her narration is performed by the co-actors in the production, making it a spellbinding and interactive work that the child audience can follow along with. The children are also invited to interact with the actors acting out intsomi, entering into the magical journey of being inside intsomi.
Tastes Like Poetry (Theatre)
Luxolo Ngqunge
A poetic work that combines theatre and music in a rich and complex relationship. The piece is a ‘rom-com’ that interrogates the trajectory of our relationships and why many of us only reveal our true selves after the honeymoon is over.
The Tyrant (Theatre)
Xabiso Zweni
The Tyrant takes a look at a near-future envisioned as the end of white monopoly capital in South Africa when Malema’s EFF comes to power. The tyranny that civil war brings breaks families apart, bonds between friends are shaken, a country is divided between believers and non-believers, and whites, flee.
Qaqamba (Theatre)
Monde Wani
A vibrant African take on the Cinderella tale – using theatre, music and dance to tell the story of a young girl, Qaqamba, who is called to be a traditional healer. She lives with her aunt, her mother’s sister, who causes her to suffer for issues she’d had with her mother. Her nearest relatives are also not supportive, antagonising her and her gift.
Juggle, Pop, Play! (Family/Street Theatre)
Simphiwe Mzimba
Look out for a magical presence during the Mandela Bay Arts Festival. Simphiwe Mazimba will be weaving through the Festival to bring the delights of clowning, juggling, balloon sculptures and improvisation and interaction into the heart of MBAF.
COMEDY
ADHD, the Bottle and Me (Comedy)
Chantal Harris Comedy
ADHD, the Bottle and Me is a groundbreaking comedy created by Chantal Harris and directed by Sophie Joans, aimed at exploring the humorous yet profound challenges of living with ADHD and alcoholism. It stands to offer a fresh perspective that challenges stereotypes and celebrates resilience while creating awareness.
Protection Fee (Comedy)
Nkosinathi Maki
In Gqeberha, South Africa, the “protection fee” problem has become a bit like a bad sitcom plot. Imagine this: local shop owners are minding their own business when suddenly, a group of self-proclaimed “protectors” show up, demanding money to keep the “bad guys” away. It’s like paying the fox to guard the henhouse! These so-called protectors are causing more chaos than they claim to prevent, causing businesses to shut down and leaving residents feeling less safe than ever.
MUSIC & MUSICAL THEATRE
Amathongo Akudala (Music)
Mandilakhe Ikhaya
From his calling to be a singer, to his lived experiences and more; in Amathongo Akudala, Kilani will carry the audience with love, community, identity and spirituality and the pure intent of offering a chance to heal.
Amy Winehouse -The Diva and her Demons (Musical Theatre)
Misery Loves Company
Musical theatre show Amy Winehouse -The Diva and her Demons unpacks the brief and impactful life of the once-in-a-generation musical talent that was Amy Winehouse.
GQeberha Gqom and Piano Night (Music Concert)
Amajita ePlan Muzik
This is the summer party you’ve been waiting for. The GQeberha Gqom and Piano Night experience promises a night of explosive fun and elegance. A celebration of the culture ‘Gqom’ and ‘Amapiano’ music genre in the Nelson Mandela Bay region – and everyone’s welcome.
Ghoema Vibes (Music)
Denzil Africa and the Vusa Band
A vibrant and energetic jazz performance that embodies the rich cultural rhythm of South Africa’s music. This year, they will showcase their original traditional music at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, joined by the Vusa Band, one of the oldest and most established bands in the Eastern Cape with over 27 years of performance history.
Intlombe The Ancestral Ceremony (Music)
Andy Ndlazilwana
Blending the art of music and dance, Intlombe: The Ancestral Ceremony sees the fusion of African contemporary jazz mixed with ‘traditional vibes’ in a spiritual awakening.
Jou Ma se Platspelers (Music)
Misery Loves Company
A journey through the songbook of Afrikaans ‘treffers’ featuring hits by Koos du Plessis, David Kramer and others that has been touring to national acclaim and sold-out houses.
Mzee Sax and Friends Live (Music Concert)
Mzee Sax
Legendary jazz artist, Mzwabantu ‘Mzee Sax’ Kondile, is joined by Bhega Mni (bass guitar), Luphelo Ntleki (drums), Luthando Malenga (aka Mitties) on piano and Ntlahla Nyiki (aka Chizama) on vocals to present a musical exploration of the themes of spirituality, love, and the human experience. Featuring harmonies, melodies, and powerful vocals that define this unique musical style, this is unmissable jazz with a distinctly Eastern Cape twist.
Press Start – An 8 Bit Musical (Musical Theatre)
BBoy Rhythm & Nicki Ray Academy of Performing Arts
Press Start – an 8 Bit Musical is a production that transports audiences into the bright, pixelated world of video games! The trick of the game is that with knock and time lost, you can slowly fade away and ‘run out of lives’. But even at rock bottom, the only way left is up. When the famous video game characters we know and love ‘run out of lives’ (and are in danger of losing the game), they decide to put on a musical fundraiser to help them raise the gold ring to preserve their lives.
Rising Stars Sing Out Loud (Musical Theatre)
Impact Community Theatre
This show features a cast of 8 performers aged from 9 to 16 years performing songs from musical theatre, Disney and other popular sing-along favourites, alongside meticulous choreography. Rising Stars Sing Out Loud has its roots in the Sing Sing Loud festival (May 2024) which was designed to showcase some of the outstanding vocalists from all over Nelson Mandela Bay.
Rhythms of Unity Concert (Music Concert)
Lefa Mosea with Mariloe Booysen and Pam Jikwa
Perfect for Afrocentric music lovers, this vibrant concert celebrates unity and diversity through captivating performances by Mariloe Booysen, Lefa Mosea and Pam Jikwa. Witness a collaborative finale where their talents merge, creating a genre-bending sound of soulful saxophone, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythms.
Sherrup Sherrup!!! (Musical Theatre)
Jazzy Productions/Marcellus Welman
Sherrup, Sherrup! is a musical theatre production that highlights emotional abuse through jazz and poetry written and produced by Gqeberha musician, Marcellus Welman and a 15-cast play, eight musicians and seven poets.
Sielkos (Music Concert)
Real Records/Jason Rezwaan
Take a journey of hope through the beauty of song with Rezwaan Goliath, also known as Rezo Real, in his latest performance, Sielkos (soul food). Showcasing songs from his album of the same name, Goliath uses the power and beauty of Afrikaans music to bring his message of triumph inspired by experiencing deeply personal troubles and profound hardships.
Syndicate Sisters Live (Music Concert)
Syndicate Sisters
The Syndicate Sisters are keeping it in the family with this show that blends nostalgic Golden Oldies like It’s Over, and Every Song has a Beginning with a new wave of sound from Bridgette and Beverly’s daughters who will be joining them on stage!
Uhambo Lwam (Music)
Nosisi Mavela
A fully immersive event that incorporates the vocal talents of singer Zoliswa Mavela with thematic slides and captivating visual artistry for a performance unlike any other.
Unyaka Onesiqhuma (Music Concert)
Umle
A reflection on the challenges and complexities that black societies faced during and after the Covid-19 pandemic where families lost loved ones, unemployment was at an all-time high and gender-based violence was unabated.
DANCE
KDX: Street Dance Derby Workshops (Dance)
The KEEP DANCING Experience
KDX is a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating street dance culture and they’re bringing a series of classes and workshops to Mandela Bay Arts Festival. The classes include a session on the foundations of street dancing, culture conversations (a history lesson and how to preserve the culture of street dancing), and industry talks on how to become a professional.
POETRY
Emnandi Iyaphindwa: Hip Hop & Poetry Session (Poetry)
Sicelo Tika
An annual event for hip hop and poetry enthusiasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area that will be part of the Mandela Bay Arts Festival in 2025. The event features local hip hop performances by emerging artists and culturally conscious poetry sessions by top poets from the Eastern Cape
Land Affairs (Poetry)
Babalwa Kona
Land Affairs is a production of poetry, written and performed by Babalwa Kona, about the problems faced by black women and black men within the patriarchy. Not only a critique of this system, the work also embraces black men – who are also victims of its terrible plague.
FILM
The Birth of Otis (Film)
Kama Bear Films
Filmmaker Virgil Jacobs invites audiences on a captivating journey through his decade-long creative evolution, culminating in The Birth of Otis, a critically acclaimed film that spanned three remarkable years. This epic narrative arc represents the culmination of Jacobs’ artistic exploration, showcasing his growth, innovation, and mastery of the filmmaking craft.
EXHIBITIONS
A Newton Park Kaleidoscope (Exhibition)
Gillian Bowman
This work by emerging artist Gillian Bowman, is an abstract of a photo taken by the artist in Newton Park on Monday 13th May 2024 while being driven by husband. Reimagined in cubist style, she created a colourful art work of present day Newton Park in peak hour traffic. Familiar places and landmarks are seen from a new perspective of colour.
Bead and Fabric Expressions (Exhibition)
Zikhona Mgoqi
Collaboration and community come together in this vibrant exhibition that blends Zikhona Sistah Roots Mgoqi’s passion for clothing design and beadwork. This showcase will fuse and celebrate African craftsmanship, art and contemporary fashion, focusing on the cultural significance of beadwork and fabric as expressions of identity, artistry, and heritage.
Dine With Art: A Love Letter to Gqeberha (Exhibition)
Zikhona Bisholo
Dine with Art is more than just an exhibition—it is a heartfelt tribute to Gqeberha by its own artists. Under the theme Love Letter to Gqeberha local creatives will transform their emotions into visual expressions, capturing the essence of the city that inspires them.
Family Trinity (Exhibition)
kwaDwesi Resource Centre
Mongami Marala’s latest collection, Family Trinity, is a poignant exploration of the profound bonds that define family life. Through a diverse range of mediums, including oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, and mixed media, Marala delves into the emotional and spiritual connections that shape our relationships with loved ones.
Game-day Faces (Exhibition)
Mark Baartman
Mark Baartman uniquely captures the emotions , frustration, joy, pain, anger, determination of South African sportsmen and women and spectators in this series of emotive works.
Imbewu The Seed (Exhibition)
Asanda Laxa
Imbewu The Seed seeks to raise awareness and ‘give flowers’ to creatives based in the Bay while they are still alive. The aim of this visual exhibition and panel discussion is to re-establish the broader family and community context of the arts and its paths to excellence for younger people interested in any form of artistry.
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
O.G Phizow TV Content Convention (Workshops)
O.G Phizow TV Content Creators Convention is an intensive film training featuring public lectures from esteemed industry experts hosted by content creator and creative, Phila Goduka. Covering, branding and business, and a workshop on smartphone filmmaking, the convention seeks to leave attendees with the knowledge of turning their film hobbies into a business.
Arts Legacy Education Alive (Heritage Workshop Series)
Ryan Pillay
In this four-day educational workshop series, delegates will explore the role of heritage in the arts. The series of workshops will give delegates a thorough understanding of arts, heritage, and archive management and the practical skills of curating, project management, and archiving.
Business Master Class and Fashion Show (Workshop and Fashion Show)
Made in Eastern Cape
The Business Master Class and Fashion Show (BMCFS) exhibition is an element of Eastern Cape Art and Fashion week that will be at this year’s Mandela Bay Arts Festival. This is a platform for local SMMEs in the creative fraternity to learn from industry experts and showcase their innovative brands, products and services.
Floetic Fun Foods and Fashion Fair (Heritage Event)
Art-Anything-Funzaai
A culinary experience that honours tradition, arts and innovation; it’s a journey through the traditional food knowledge and vocabulary of the isiXhosa.
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