AIR FESTIVAL 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Indigenous Arts & Culture

On 21 March 2025, the African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Festival lit up the Kranshoek Community Centre in Plettenberg Bay, transforming it into a vibrant music, dance, and creativity hub. A powerful celebration of South Africa’s living heritage, the festival brought artists, entrepreneurs, and communities to honour our indigenous roots through art.

Hosted by the Cape Town Arts Festival in partnership with the Ariva Arts Foundation, this free, multi-genre event showcased the beauty and depth of our cultural traditions—and the bright future of local talent.

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The success of AIR Festival 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support and collaboration of:

Bitou Municipality

National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

Presidential Employment Stimulus Program (PESP5)

Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS)

SAMPRA Development Fund

Plettenberg Bay Tourism (Plett Tourism)

Festival Impact

174 artists and 46 local vendors and suppliers were empowered through paid opportunities, boosting the local creative economy.

Over 3,000 attendees, including 300 children, experienced the magic and meaning of indigenous arts and culture in action.

Standout Performances

The festival stage was ablaze with talent from across the country, featuring unforgettable performances by:

Dizu Plaatjies & Ibuyambo

The AIR Project Musicians

DJ Mjilo, Breeze’n, Esam Nzimeni, Major Masie, Mr. Chaos, Eno Da Cool Dude, DJ Mzakes, Tolos the DJ

Gershwin Ruiters, Percival Windvogel, Zanele Menzi & more

The AIR Dance Challenge lit up the stage with fierce performances from African dance groups representing Bitou and surrounding areas.

The RielDansers of Kranshoek, Montagu, and Vredendal delivered traditional performances that moved hearts and brought history to life.

Dance Teachers & Judges: Amanda Valela, Elsabe Cloette, Tracy Ann
MCs: Bravo Sobekwa, Bulelwa Mathole, Heinrich Van Wyk

Beyond the Stage – A Festival of Creativity

AIR Festival extended far beyond music and dance, showcasing an explosion of local artistry through face painting, crafts, visual art, and live activations. Participating artists included:

Linda Gusha, Sonwabisi Mbalo, Nceba Gongxeka, Pitso Boitumelo, Andiswa Jacobs, Washen Kamupambe, Ndabazinhle Nkomo, Katarzyna Kwiecinska, Elijah Murimi, Indigicul, Margaret Omari, Gatsby Lunbanza Mpoyi, Khangelani Ngcwembe, Siphamandla Mphathi, Michael Nyoni, Kelvin Mtombeni, Eugene Lewis, Xolani Sibiya.

Thank You

To every artist, crafter, dancer, vendor, partner, and festivalgoer who brought their energy, passion, and presence—you made AIR Festival 2025 an unforgettable celebration of community and culture.

Captured by Nur Felix Films & Black n White Visual Media

See You at the Next AIR Festival!