Various Genres of Art Explored at the Izingqi Zovuyo Festival at Northern Cape Theatre

Staff Reporter

Veterans from the arts industry are delivering masterclasses in dance, theatre, music, and scriptwriting for television and stage at the two-day Izingqi Zovuyo festival. The event kicked off today at the Northern Cape Theatre and runs until 31 July 2026.

Presented by the multi-award-winning musical theatre academy Amandla Dança Teatro ZA, this annual festival is classified as an intergenerational event. It offers a vibrant celebration of dance, music, and cultural exchange tailored for children and young people.

Inspired by ASSITEJ South Africa, the event showcases both local and international talent. Attendees can expect live music featuring indigenous instruments—such as the mbira, uhadi, xylophone, brass, and African drums—accompanied by multidisciplinary dancers, singers, actors, and musicians, many of whom are serving as workshop facilitators.

The diverse programme consists of performances, workshops, and discussions celebrating the richness of African culture and creativity. The two-day lineup features some of the region’s best young performers. This includes the !Xunkhwesa Primary School choir, who are the current provincial SASCE Folklore Champions, and The Last Knock, a production by the Sol Plaatje University Drama Club fresh off their run at the National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda.

Festival presenters Amandla Dança Teatro ZA, in association with Bisi B Creations, are also celebrating recent accolades after bagging two prestigious awards at the NAF. The group scooped both the White Ovation Award and a Bronze Ovation Award for their new musical, IREOLUWA: The Goodness of the Creator, and will be staging their official homecoming performances during the festival.

The event promises to expose young people in the Frances Baard region to positive creative environments, featuring professional productions performed by local semi-professional and professional artists. While celebrating multiple art forms, Izingqi Zovuyo prioritizes dance, offering a dedicated platform for young performers to share their talents and learn from one another through movement.

Tickets for the festival are on sale for R50