Ngeke! Festival is making its return to Johannesburg on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at The Nest, bringing together some of South Africa’s exciting musical voices for a free evening of live music, culture and collective action against corruption.
Following its successful debut in 2025, the festival returns with a clear message: Ngeke! Say NO to corruption. This year’s line-up features headliners Nomfundo Moh and The Brother Moves On, alongside BLVQ IRIS & The Crossroads, ZANAH and Xtreem Makhayeni, with DJ Nodiggity on opening and closing duties and LERAI returning as host.
At the heart of this year’s festival are BLVQ IRIS & The Crossroads and ZANAH, winners of the Fair Play South Africa 2026 competition. Their music tackles issues of justice, accountability and social change, representing a new generation of artists using their voices to challenge the status quo. They are joined by 2025 winner Xtreem Makhayeni, returning to the festival, and established acts bringing their own musical perspectives to the stage. Beyond the performances, Ngeke! encourages audiences to take the Ngeke! Pledge: Ngeke ngithule (I won’t keep quiet), Ngeke ngikwenze (I won’t do it) and Ngeke ngiye ngedwa (I won’t go it alone). The initiative is a reminder that fighting corruption starts with everyday choices and collective accountability.
Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition at Constitution Hill, which featured Zoë Modiga, BCUC, Onset Music Group and Xtreem Makhayeni, the 2026 festival continues to use music as a platform for meaningful social change. The event forms part of Fair Play South Africa, a global music initiative delivered by JM International, with support from the European Union Delegation to South Africa and the EU-funded Enhancing Accountability Technical Assistance Facility. With free entry and a line-up that brings together established performers and emerging voices, Ngeke! Festival invites Johannesburg audiences to come together, enjoy live music and stand against corruption.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Venue: The Nest, Johannesburg
Time: From 18:00
Entry: Free