Following the success of last year’s Queertopia.za headlined by international artist, Ego Ella May, Other Village People is making this year’s festival bigger than ever before. The popular Johannesburg-based queer music festival returns from 28 February to 1 March 2026, featuring not just one, but TWO international acts: wordsofAzia and TheARTI$T. They will take audiences on a musical journey of Afro-Jazz, Soul and R&B sounds in the heart of the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill.
Queertopia.za, and its founders Andiswa Dlamini and Kefiloe Siwisa, have made significant progress in creating a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ folk and allies in South Africa. Sponsor Jägermeister has been an integral part of the festival through its SAVE THE NIGHT global initiative, which continuously strives to transform nightlife spaces into inclusive and empowering environments for communities.
This year’s festival is no different, with two headlining acts to thrill crowds alongside some of South Africa’s very own musical geniuses. Hailing from the culturally historic city of Newark, New Jersey, R&B singer-songwriter TheARTI$T is the first international artist audiences will experience on day one of the festival. TheARTI$T kickstarted her music career back in 2018, and by 2023, released her debut album titled ARTchives which has had success beyond the United States of America, in Germany and Tokyo, Japan. With a background in dance and a love for fashion, TheARTI$T’s move into music came naturally and has influenced her creative expression when performing.
On the second day of the festival, French-born singer of Ivorian heritage, wordsofAzia, will perform in South Africa for the very first time. Known for her soulful sound and beautiful storytelling, wordsofAzia exposes the world to her Ivorian roots. Her sound is inspired by her heritage as she perfectly blends Bété (an indigenous ethnic group from Côte d’Ivoire) rhythms, jazz and soul that make up her Afro-Jazz sound which she describes as spiritually healing. Her unique discography includes songs such as “Oyè Wossô,” “Lagô,” “Than All,” “Glory,” and many more.
“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. We’re beyond excited to open our gates and share something truly unforgettable with our community. This year is going to set a new benchmark for us”, says Andiswa & Kefiloe.
In addition to the headline acts, Queertopia.za’s lineup will also include some of South Africa’s most talented artists who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies from genres such as the iconic and critically acclaimed Zamajobe, Buhlebendalo, Manana, UmZulu Phaqa, and Thando Nje. The festival will also include elements of experimental performance art, a wellbeing programme in the Zen Room, and delicious food on both days for festivalgoers to enjoy.
Tickets are now available and range from R450 to R800 on Quicket.
Follow @othervillagepeople on Instagram and use the hashtags #Queertopia.za #jagermeister #bewhoyouare.
