the afrodiaspora connection 2026: bringing sankofa to the streets of south africa

Manor is proud to announce its role as an official media partner for The Afrodiaspora Connection 2026, a dynamic, multi-year collaborative music exchange project curated by The Dig Global, a Johannesburg-based alternative music development agency, and Jazz re:freshed, a UK-based jazz and alternative music organisation. Taking place across Cape Town and to the heart of Soweto in Johannesburg from 21 May to 3 June, this partnership marks a pivotal moment in documenting the growth of the alternative music scenes across South Africa and the UK: a strategic effort to foster long-term, impact-driven collaborations.

By focusing on sustainable, symbiotic growth between these creative ecosystems, The Afrodiaspora Connection 2026 seeks to expand access and deepen cultural connections through artist exchange, education, and collaborative knowledge-sharing. Bringing The Afrodiaspora Connection to Soweto in this milestone year acknowledges the deep relationship between music and history, fitting the theme of ‘Sankofa’ perfectly: a word and concept from the Akan people of Ghana that translates to “go back and get it.” The sounds, stories, and cultural expressions showcased through this platform are rooted in the same spirit of resilience and creativity that defines Soweto. Jazz and alternative Black music traditions have always emerged from lived experience, struggle, and triumph.

“A defining part of South Africa’s creative narrative is shaped in the streets of our townships. Our work is rooted in opening up and expanding the understanding of the Black experience, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives from across the country. When the opportunity arose to bring this project to Soweto, it was a natural step for us to take. In doing so, we aim for the work we have built over the years to be experienced as something honest, grounded, and deeply reflective of the communities it speaks to,” says The Dig Global.

Central to the project is the Beyond the Stage Community Engagement Programme: a series of curated activities that shifts the focus from the traditional live performance model toward meaningful, intimate interactions, acknowledging that the participating artists are multidimensional performers, as well as being educators, DJs, visual artists, researchers, and published authors. This platform allows these diverse practices to be highlighted through workshops and writing camps designed to exchange knowledge within the local creative sector; joint studio sessions and panel discussions that bridge the gap between visiting and local talent; and curated dinners and health-focused activations, such as the community hike, designed to facilitate authentic connections with South African audiences.

“As we step into the third edition of the The AfroDiaspora Connection in 2026, we’re deeply grateful for our continued partnership with The Dig and for every artist who has shaped this journey with us. This project is more than an exchange; it’s a living, evolving bridge between the UK and South Africa, deeply rooted in collaboration, community, and creative freedom. Together, we’re building something that not only celebrates our shared musical heritage but actively invests in its future,” says Adam Moses, Director, Jazz re:freshed.

The initiative also encourages collaboration with cultural establishments that may not traditionally function as performance venues, such as restaurants, bookstores, galleries, and other adjacent institutions that form part of the Afrodiaspora music and creative ecosystem. Through Beyond the Stage, Afro Diaspora aims to further galvanise its audience by engaging them in multiple ways, extending beyond performance into more intimate, impactful, and community-driven experiences.

This year’s line-up brings together a sophisticated blend of UK based talent:

Kokoroko (UK): Leading the charge with their signature blend of Afrobeat and jazz.

Summer Pearl (UK): Known for her care-free live performances and to-the-point lyrics

Zola Marcelle (UK): Zimbabwean-born, London-based multidisciplinary artist with a rare mix of Shona and Sotho heritage.

Joining the international artists is a formidable selection of South African legends and heavyweights, including:

Kujenga: The Cape Town-based ensemble known for its expansive improvisational jazz and soulful arrangements.

Bokani Dyer: Pianist, composer, and producer whose work traverses the intersections of jazz, soul, electronic music, and African rhythm

Internet Athi: Cape Town-based artist emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in South Africa’s contemporary jazz and neo soul scene.

MsNiksta: A curator and sonic storyteller who moves seamlessly through jazz, soul, alternative sounds, soulful classics, Afro-tech and Latin jazz.

ESINAM (Belgian-Ghanaian) & Sibusile Xaba (South Africa): Connecting through a shared language of rhythm, ancestry, and deep artistic expression.

Kids Love Jazz & Ofentse Sebula: A bespoke brass ensemble curated by Kids Love Jazz in collaboration led by Ofentse Sebula, making a dedicated appearance for the Johannesburg leg.

Not A She: Cape Town-based DJ and sonic curator known for delivering immersive, high-energy sets that move seamlessly between deep house, Afro-house, Afro-tech, and electronic rhythms rooted in African percussion.

Zango Kubheka: A multidisciplinary creative and music production powerhouse who has worked with vocalists such as Roho, Blxckie and Lia Butler, amongst others.

Mascara Ngobese: DJ, artist, researcher, and experimenter, who moves through free jazz, folk, industrial, tshikona, malende, electronic, rap, and gospel.

The Itinerary: Cape Town & Johannesburg

22 May | Beyond the Stage: Women in Music — A community dialogue and engagement session.

23 May | The Showcase: The Afrodiaspora Connection 2026 live at the Cape Town Showcase, featuring the full international line-up alongside local artists.

24 May | Beyond the Stage: Health & Wellness Community Hike — An opportunity for artists and audiences to connect in nature.

The Johannesburg Residency

26 May | Beyond the Stage: Tuesday Funk — A community jam session at Untitled Basement, the heart of Jozi’s live music scene.

28 May | Beyond the Stage: Zola Marcelle – Bass Trio Session (TBC) — An intimate exploration of sound and collaboration.

Following the South African residency, the collective will travel to Eswatini for the MTN Bushfire Festival from 29–30 May.

As media partners, Manor will be on the ground, offering an editorial lens on these exchanges. Expect exclusive interviews that dive into the archival and futuristic inspirations behind the music, behind-the-scenes access to the Beyond the Stage sessions, and a comprehensive look at how these international partnerships are shaping the next era of the Afrodiaspora creative scene.

Stay tuned to our digital platforms for deep-dives, artist profiles, and live updates.