28 February @ 2:00 pm – 1 March @ 9:00 pm
International Stars Set to Ignite Queertopia.za Festival 2026
Queertopia.za is back — and 2026 promises to be its most powerful edition yet. The Johannesburg-based queer music festival returns from 28 February to 1 March 2026 with two international headliners and a stellar lineup of South African legends, all set against the historic backdrop of the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill.
Following the success of last year’s edition headlined by Ego Ella May, the festival curated by Other Village People is raising the bar even higher. This year, Queertopia.za welcomes not one but TWO international acts: TheARTI$T and wordsofAzia, who will deliver a rich musical journey spanning Afro-Jazz, Soul and R&B.
A Global Soundtrack for Queer Celebration
Kicking off the festival on day one is Newark, New Jersey-born R&B singer-songwriter TheARTI$T. Since launching her music career in 2018, she has carved out an international presence, culminating in her 2023 debut album ARTchives. With success stretching beyond the United States to Germany and Tokyo, TheARTI$T’s dynamic performances are shaped by her background in dance and fashion, creating a multisensory stage experience.
On day two, audiences will witness the South African debut of French-born singer of Ivorian heritage, wordsofAzia. Known for her soulful storytelling and spiritually resonant sound, she blends Bété rhythms — rooted in Côte d’Ivoire — with jazz and soul to craft her signature Afro-Jazz style. Her growing discography includes tracks such as “Oyè Wossô,” “Lagô,” “Than All,” and “Glory,” showcasing a sound that is both culturally grounded and globally inspired.
Celebrating Community, Expression and Growth
Now in its fifth edition, Queertopia.za continues to build a safe, inclusive and celebratory space for LGBTQIA+ communities and allies in South Africa. Founders Andiswa Dlamini and Kefiloe Siwisa have steadily grown the festival into a cultural movement that champions queer expression across generations.
“Queertopia returns for its 5th edition, with two international artists and an intergenerational local lineup celebrating queer expression. This is more than just our biggest festival to date — it’s a celebration of how far we’ve come as Other Village People. The scale, the lineup, the experience — everything has been elevated.”
say the founders
Supporting the festival’s mission is Jägermeister through its global SAVE THE NIGHT initiative, aimed at transforming nightlife spaces into inclusive and empowering environments.
A Stellar Local Lineup
In addition to the international headliners, Queertopia.za 2026 will feature some of South Africa’s most celebrated musical talents from within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Festivalgoers can look forward to performances by:
- Zamajobe
- Buhlebendalo
- Manana
- UmZulu Phaqa
- Thando Nje
Beyond the music, the festival experience includes experimental performance art, a wellbeing programme hosted in the Zen Room, and a curated food offering across both days — ensuring a holistic celebration of culture, creativity and connection.
Tickets and Event Details
Queertopia.za Festival runs from 28 February to 1 March 2026 in Johannesburg. Tickets are currently on sale via Quicket, with prices ranging from R450 to R800.
As anticipation builds, Queertopia.za 2026 is set to redefine the queer festival experience in South Africa — blending global artistry, local brilliance and an unapologetic celebration of identity in one unforgettable weekend.
Follow @othervillagepeople and join the conversation using #Queertopia.za #jagermeister #bewhoyouare.
