As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, this year’s Tribute To Women music festival is set to honour that legacy through a powerful celebration of music, culture and storytelling.
Returning to Mark’s Park in Emmarentia on Saturday, August 29, the annual Women’s Month event has become one of Johannesburg’s flagship celebrations, bringing together some of the country’s biggest musical talents while recognising the resilience, achievements and enduring impact of South African women.
Headlining this year’s festival are acclaimed singer-songwriter Msaki,award-winning musician Sjava and iconic Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo. They will be joined by chart-toppers Nomfundo Moh and Busiswa, offering audiences a diverse programme spanning soulful ballads, Afro-pop, house, amapiano and dance music.
Beyond the entertainment, organisers say this year’s edition carries deeper significance as it celebrates seven decades since more than 20,000 women marched against pass laws in Pretoria in 1956.
“Honouring the 70th anniversary is central to our programming. We place courage, solidarity and moral clarity at the heart of the festival, using music and the arts to translate that history into a living, intergenerational conversation,” she said.
Kananda added that the festival is designed to be more than a concert.
“This festival is both deeply personal and profoundly communal: a platform to honour women’s stories, create economic opportunities for women creatives and vendors, and build a joyful, accessible public space where diverse communities gather,” she said.
Dr Criselda Kananda, Tribute To Women ambassador and chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation, said the festival aims to transform that history into a living conversation between generations.
In keeping with that vision, festivalgoers can expect a full-day outdoor experience featuring live performances, women-led market stalls, family-friendly activities, mentorship opportunities and industry workshops.
According to Kananda, the event also aims to inspire attendees to continue supporting women beyond Women’s Month.
“I want attendees to leave with renewed pride in the resilience and complexity of South African womanhood and a practical sense of responsibility: to uplift women leaders, support women-owned businesses and nurture creative talent,” she said.
One of the festival’s most poignant moments will take place ahead of the main event when the organisers honour Mama Mildred Mangxola, founding member of the Mahotella Queens, recognising her immense contribution to South African music and culture.
With gates opening at 11.00 and performances running until 7.00, Tribute To Women 2026 promises a celebration that blends music, remembrance and community, while paying tribute to the women whose courage continues to shape South Africa.
THE big news as far as the South African Football Association (SAFA) is concerned is the upcoming announcement of a new Bafana Bafana coach, set for Saturday, August 8, but switching to more mundane matters, the association's presidential race is also gaining momentum.Bafana have been without a coach since Hugo Broos' five-year reign came to an end on July 31. After Broos guided Bafana to a historic World Cup knockout-stage […]
