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Imbawula Music Festival 2025: Everything You Need To Know

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Prepare to “Hear the Rhythm and Feel the Heat” as the Imbawula Music Festival lights up Pretoria with its premiere edition. More than just a music event, Imbawula is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and healing—uniting generations through music, storytelling, and purpose.

Full Event Details

Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025
Venue: Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Pretoria
Tickets: R250 – R10 000, available via Howler

Named after the imbawula—a traditional coal heater symbolising warmth, gathering, and oral storytelling—the festival pays homage to South African roots while forging new cultural paths. Once a staple in township homes, the imbawula re-emerges here as a metaphorical fire: a space to connect, heal, and express. “We’re creating a space where people can dance, celebrate, and feel at home in their culture, while experiencing something truly world-class,” say the organisers from AMN Investments.

Music lovers can expect an eclectic lineup spanning Amapiano, Afro-soul, Kwaito, Jazz, Hip Hop, Afro-tech, and more. Headlining the experience are:

  • Sun-El Musician – Afro-house pioneer
  • Amanda Black – Soulful powerhouse
  • Trompies – Kwaito legends
  • Kelvin Momo – Amapiano heavyweight debuting exclusive new music
  • Somizi Mhlongo – Official MC

Also performing are jazz prodigy Saul Madiope, and Swazi stars Velemseni and Bholoja, adding a Pan-African flair to the experience. There will also be surprise sets by genre-bending acts like Yung Cyberdj, Charlie TheChap, and Nale Yale

At its heart, Imbawula is a social intervention. As South Africa continues to face a gender-based violence (GBV) crisis, the festival commits to programming that honours lives lost, supports healing, and amplifies voices calling for justice. “Our country is crying out for healing. We believe music and community can help spark that change,” the organisers affirm.

With a commitment to sustainability, youth empowerment, and SME support, Imbawula partners with local businesses and cultural organisations to drive real impact. Recycling initiatives, eco-conscious practices, and responsible water use are integrated throughout the event. Attendees can expect a secure, well-organised experience with over 100 trained security staff, first-aid stations, and strict safety protocols.

Whether you’re drawn by the beats, the tradition, or the movement for change, Imbawula Music Festival is an invitation to gather around the fire—to dance, to listen, to heal, and to rise.

What Stands Out

Imbawula is more than what happens on stage. It’s a multi-sensory cultural experience featuring:

  • Silent discos & interactive drum circles
  • Live art performances
  • A vibrant food and crafts market

Family zones, nightlife lounges, and cultural activations will cater to a wide range of interests in an inclusive, purpose-driven environment.

What’s Else Is Happening

Date: Loading

Overall Event Experience

Coming soon

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