📸: Supplied
The 5th edition of Queertopia.za takes over Constitution Hill from 28 February to 1 March 2026. Organizers Other Village People have expanded the festival to feature two international headliners, TheARTI$T (USA) and wordsofAzia (France/Ivory Coast), alongside local legends like Zamajobe and Manana. The event promises a safe, inclusive celebration of queer expression with music, art, and wellness.
Event Details
- Event: Queertopia.za (5th Edition)
- Dates: 28 Feb – 01 March 2026
- Venue: Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill (Johannesburg)
- International Acts: TheARTI$T (USA), wordsofAzia (France/Ivory Coast)
- Tickets: Available via Quicket
Queertopia Returns To Constitution Hill With Two International Headliners For 2026
For its fifth edition, Queertopia.za is scaling up. The Johannesburg-based festival, known for carving out safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, returns to the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill next week with a significantly expanded program. Running from 28 February to 1 March 2026, the festival, organized by Other Village People founders Andiswa Dlamini and Kefiloe Siwisa, will feature two international headliners for the first time, marking a departure from previous single-headliner formats.
The Weekend Lineup
Day one will be headlined by TheARTI$T, an R&B singer-songwriter from Newark, New Jersey. Known for her 2023 debut album ARTchives, her performance style blends her background in dance and fashion with contemporary soul.
Day two introduces wordsofAzia, a French-born artist of Ivorian heritage making her South African debut. Her sound is described as a fusion of Afro-Jazz and soul, deeply influenced by the polyrhythms of the Bété people of Côte d’Ivoire.
“This is more than just our biggest festival to date,” said founders Dlamini and Siwisa in a joint statement. “The scale, the lineup, the experience – everything has been elevated… This year is going to set a new benchmark for us.”
Local Legends & Wellness
Balancing the international draw is a strong local billing that organizers describe as “intergenerational.” The lineup includes critically acclaimed singer Zamajobe, alongside contemporary voices like Manana, Buhlebendalo, UmZulu Phaqa, and Thando Nje.
Beyond the music, the festival continues its partnership with Jägermeister’s “Save The Night” initiative to ensure venue safety and inclusivity. The grounds will also feature a “Zen Room” for wellbeing, experimental performance art, and food vendors, reinforcing the event’s dual focus on celebration and community care.
Loading
Loading
Follow othervillagepeople for more updates.
Leave a Reply