Plettenberg Bay, South Africa – March 12, 2025 – The AIR Festival, a celebration of culture, community, and artistic expression, will make its highly anticipated debut in Kranshoek on Human Rights Day, March 21, 2025. This dynamic event is brought to life by the Cape Town Arts Festival in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation, the GNC (Griqua National Conference), Bitou Municipality, and Plett Tourism. These champions of Plett’s rural artists are inviting all cultures to unite at the Kranshoek Community Centre to celebrate the significance of Human Rights Day through music, dance, poetry, craft, and diverse cuisine.

“The AIR Festival is a powerful testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Bitou Municipality and the spirit of unity that defines our community. We are proud to support this groundbreaking event, which not only celebrates our diverse heritage but also creates meaningful opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs. On Human Rights Day, we stand together in Kranshoek to honour our past, celebrate our present, and shape a future where our communities can proudly celebrate heritage and culture,”  says Mrs. Jessica KamKam, Executive Mayor of Bitou Municipality.

The AIR Festival promises an exciting day packed with artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community participation. This inaugural event will feature a variety of activities to ignite the African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) and engage with the broader South African heritage. Some of the key attractions at the festival include:

• AIR Dance Challenge: A high-energy dance competition where performers from all walks of life will showcase their talents, blending traditional and contemporary styles.
• AIR Visual Art Exhibition: A thought-provoking display of visual art, with local and regional artists presenting their works, reflecting the diversity and beauty of South Africa’s cultural landscape.
• AIR African Craft Village: A vibrant marketplace featuring handcrafted goods, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills.
• AIR Cultural Foods: Festivalgoers can indulge in the rich flavors of Griqua cuisine, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary traditions, alongside other local food offerings.
• Riel Dance, Craft, and Music: Celebrating the indigenous Riel dance and music, the festival will bring together performers who will keep the rhythm of our shared ancestry alive—a place where all dance steps were born.
• The Griqua Choir: A performance by the local Griqua choir, showcasing the soul-stirring harmonies and songs that are deeply rooted in their survival and the preservation of their rich culture.

 

Headlining the Event: The festival will be headlined by the legendary Dizu Plaatjies and the dynamic Ibuyambo, a two-time SAMA award winner, promising unforgettable performances that blend African rhythms with powerful messages of unity and resilience.

This festival is not just an event, but a movement—a confluence of cultures coming together to honour and celebrate human rights, unity, and diversity. The Griquas, with a deep respect for ancient culture, are opening their hearts and welcoming all to join them on this monumental day.

“The AIR Festival stands as a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It is an invitation to all to be part of a greater conversation about human rights and community. Through art, dance, food, and music, we will come together to celebrate and reflect on the journey we have walked as a nation,” says CEO Yusuf Ganief.

This festival theme aligns with the ongoing global conversations about human rights, equality, social justice, and inclusivity. It is not only an opportunity to showcase the beauty and depth of Plettenberg Bay’s diverse cultures and artistic talents but also opens a new pathway for dialogue that leads to inclusivity and a shared humanity for all South African communities.

The AIR Festival is proudly presented by the Cape Town Arts Festival in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation, Bitou Municipality, Griqua National Conference, Tshisa Talent, and Plett Tourism, and funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP5), Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), and South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) Development Fund.

ENTRANCE TO THE EVENT IS FREE