The stage at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is set to become an acoustic crossroads where the melodies of India meet the rhythms of Africa. As the Indo-African Music Festival approaches, the spotlight turns toward a bold musical experiment: the “One World, One Sound” concert.
South Africa’s rich cultural diversity will take centre stage this July with the launch of the Indo-African Music Festival, a celebration dedicated to fostering unity, collaboration, and cultural exchange through the performing arts.
Founded by musician, cultural ambassador, and Jivanmukta Music creative director Kerolin Govender, the festival aims to build meaningful connections between Indian and African artistic traditions while showcasing South Africa’s talent.
The festival will celebrate South Africa’s multicultural identity and demonstrate the arts’ power to unite communities across cultural boundaries through music, dance and collaboration.
“Headlining the inaugural festival is One World, One Sound, a collaborative concert that captivated audiences during its debut last year and now returns as the festival’s flagship production. Hosted in Durban—a city renowned for its deep Indian and African heritage—the concert reflects the festival’s vision of bringing communities together through a shared musical experience,” Govender said.
“More than a concert, One World, One Sound is a celebration of South Africa’s multicultural identity. Audiences will experience an inspiring fusion of Indian semi-classical music, Afro jazz, Sufi music, ghazals, Western influences, and popular African music, performed by artists who believe that collaboration creates something greater than any one tradition alone.
“The festival is built on the belief that music has the power to transcend language, culture, and social barriers. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, the Indo-African Music Festival creates a platform where creativity becomes a bridge between communities, encouraging dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.”
Kerolin Govender: Championing unity and understanding through the universal language of music.
Govender said this philosophy has shaped his work. Through collaborations across South Africa, India and the United Kingdom, he has championed Indo-African cultural exchange to strengthen relationships between people and celebrate shared humanity.
He has featured in international events such as the BRICS Summit, the India–Africa Forum Summit, and the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Govender and fellow cultural ambassador Zawadi Yamungu used music as a vehicle for hope, healing, and reconciliation during the July 2021 unrest. For their efforts, they received recognition from BBC News, reinforcing their belief that the arts have the power to unite communities even during challenging times.
“The Indo-African Music Festival builds upon this vision by creating a space where diversity is celebrated, and music becomes a common language for all,” Govender said.
“Our collaborative music has always been for the betterment of humankind. It’s a source of healing and hope to anyone and everyone.”
July 28 marks the opening of the One World, One Sound concert at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in Durban, featuring South African artists, including Thulile Zama, Senzo Ndamba, Rajive Mohan, Rebekah Pillay, Veedhern Punwasi, and Govender.
He explained that while the inaugural festival begins in Durban with smaller concerts, the vision is far greater. The organisers aim to take the Indo-African Music Festival and the One World, One Sound concert series to major cities across South Africa, establishing a national platform that celebrates cultural diversity, supports local artists, and inspires meaningful collaboration through the arts.
Information on the upcoming concerts can be found on Jivanmukta social media platforms, webtickets and www.jivanmukta.org
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