The Mandela Bay Arts Festival is back, bringing the city alive with creative energy from 22 February to 2 March 2025. Managed by the National Arts Festival and backed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, this exciting event showcases Gqeberha’s artistic brilliance while driving growth in the local creative economy.
Celebrating Local Talent
Over 216 entries poured in for the 2025 Festival, with a final selection by an Artistic Committee guided by National Arts Festival Artistic Director Rucera Seethal. The lineup features a balance of styles and performances designed to captivate audiences. Artistic Committee member Kurt Terblanche shared, “We’ve curated a strong and diverse programme with something for everybody.”
The 2025 edition introduces hip-hop poetry events, film screenings, heritage workshops, street dance sessions, and music concerts, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive experience. Venues across the CBD and New Brighton will host performances, with ticket prices ranging from R50 to R200, making the festival accessible to all.
Stimulating the Creative Economy
According to MMC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, the Festival is more than entertainment: “It’s about supporting our friends and neighbors who perform on our stages. By fostering opportunities for our artists, we’re building the creative economy and enabling independent incomes.”
The 2024 Festival saw a significant increase in audience engagement, with 60% of attendees reporting they participated in over ten events across previous editions. This growing trend reflects a thriving appetite for immersive cultural experiences.
A Programme for Everyone
This year’s highlights include:
- Theatre: Ibhinqa, Kwathi ke Kaloku Ngantsomi, and The Tyrant
- Music: Gqeberha Gqom and Piano Night, Ghoema Vibes, and Sielkos
- Dance: Street dance workshops by The KEEP DANCING Experience
- Comedy: Protection Fee and ADHD, the Bottle and Me
For a full list of performances, visit www.mbaf.co.za.
Save the Date!
Tickets for the Mandela Bay Arts Festival 2025 go on sale on 4 December 2024. Secure your spot for this celebration of local talent and experience the creative pulse of Gqeberha like never before.
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