WAV Festival, a unique new festival concept, will make its debut in Cape Town on the 2nd of January 2026. Its first edition spotlights the richness and innovation of R&B, soul and alternative music, bringing together trailblazing artists for a celebration of African and diasporic culture. Meticulously curated, WAV Festival blends music, culture and fashion in what is widely regarded as one of the most exciting cities in the world today.
Launching in Cape Town at the start of the year is no coincidence. The city has fast become a gathering point for the African and international music and arts community, with a growing wave of festivals, performances and creative exchanges signalling a shift in cultural tides. WAV Festival arrives at this pivotal moment, amplifying that momentum while bringing its own bold vision to the landscape.
Designed for a global community of music lovers, cultural explorers and style-conscious audiences, WAV offers meaningful experiences that unite sound, place and identity. With international and local talent sharing the same stage, and produced in collaboration with leading South African partners Africa Creative Agency, the festival sets a new standard for events on the continent, delivering a celebration that is immersive, authentic and rooted in collaboration rather than opportunism.
At the forefront of the line-up is Mariah The Scientist, one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. Her confessional lyrics and magnetic presence have redefined the genre for a new generation, and her debut performance in South Africa will connect her Atlanta-born sound with a global community gathered on African soil.
Kelvin Momo, South Africa’s beloved Amapiano pioneer, joins the line-up as a special guest, bringing his deeply emotive, layered sound to the WAV stage. Renowned for transforming dancefloors into intimate, immersive experiences, Momo perfectly embodies WAV’s mission to bridge genres and celebrate Africa’s evolving sonic landscape.
Adding to the stellar line-up, Shekhinah, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga, Strictly Soul Hour feat. Akio, and Yandani represent the next generation of South African soul, R&B and alternative artistry, each contributing fresh perspectives and sounds that reflect the creativity and confidence of Africa’s youth culture today.
Designed to honour the soulful roots of R&B while reimagining its future, WAV Festival provides a global platform for both international and home-grown talent, amplifying voices shaping the sound and culture of tomorrow. As both a community and lifestyle brand, WAV nurtures next-generation artistry, fosters cultural exchange, and redefines how music and culture are experienced and shared.
Set across an open-air stage framed by Cape Town’s iconic coastline, WAV Festival promises a day of music, culture and connection. Audiences can expect an immersive line-up featuring established stars and rising talent, thoughtfully curated to reflect African heritage, global innovation and the intersections of sound, style and design.
Colin Gayle from ACA noted that “WAV is more than a show. It’s a space where global African culture meets on equal ground. For years I’ve had the privilege of helping connect African talent to the world, and this festival continues that journey. We’re proud to spotlight the next wave of voices shaping music, style and identity worldwide. It’s a bold statement for a connected, unapologetically creative future.”
Born from a collaboration between The Malachite Group and Africa Creative Agency, WAV Festival draws on decades of expertise in culture, talent and transformative experiences. The Malachite Group are the creative minds behind groundbreaking festival concepts such as Afro Nation, which has taken place in Portugal, Miami, Detroit and Ghana. Together with ACA’s deep roots in African talent management and cultural strategy, WAV is built with local insight and global ambition.