eThekwini Shisanyama Festival Returns with Kelvin Momo Headlining Heritage Month Celebration
The eThekwini Shisanyama Festival is back, and this year’s edition promises an unforgettable celebration of South African food, music, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Berea Rovers in Durban, the festival will feature Amapiano sensation Kelvin Momo as the headline performer while bringing together food lovers, local businesses, and communities from across KwaZulu-Natal.
More Than Just a Music Festival
While live entertainment is expected to draw thousands of visitors, the eThekwini Shisanyama Festival is about much more than music.
The event celebrates the vibrant township food culture that has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable culinary experiences while creating opportunities for independent food vendors to showcase their businesses.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of authentic South African braai favourites prepared by local meat vendors from across KwaZulu-Natal.
Honouring a Township Legend
Festival founder Lunga Mkhize, owner of Metro Gents Shisanyama in Umlazi, says the festival was inspired by the late Jabulani “Mjay” Zama, founder of the iconic Eyadini Lounge.
Mjay transformed township dining into a destination experience, proving that local businesses could attract visitors from across the country while creating opportunities within their communities.
“Mjay showed us that a shisanyama could become much more than a place to eat. He built a destination that attracted people from all walks of life while creating opportunities for the community around him.”
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
The festival also shines a spotlight on small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
Many of the participating vendors began selling food from roadside stalls or informal trading spaces before growing into successful businesses.
By giving these entrepreneurs access to thousands of potential customers, organisers hope to strengthen local businesses and contribute to economic growth within the province.
Mkhize believes supporting these vendors goes far beyond enjoying a great meal.
“When people support local vendors, they are supporting families, creating jobs and helping small businesses grow.”
Celebrating Heritage Through Food
Hosting the festival during Heritage Month is no coincidence.
According to organisers, food remains one of the most powerful ways South Africans celebrate their diverse cultures while bringing communities together.
Whether it’s pap and vleis, braaibroodjies, boerewors, chakalaka or slow-cooked meat over open flames, the braai continues to unite families and friends across the country.
The festival aims to reflect that shared heritage while showcasing the unique flavours that have made KwaZulu-Natal’s township food scene famous.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
📍 Venue: Berea Rovers, 73 Jacko Jackson Drive, Durban
🎤 Headline Artist: Kelvin Momo
🎟 Tickets: Available via Howler: https://www.howler.co.za/events/ethekwini-shisanyama-festival-cef5
Why This Festival Matters
The eThekwini Shisanyama Festival is more than a day of entertainment. It celebrates entrepreneurship, preserves township food culture, supports local businesses, and creates meaningful economic opportunities while giving South Africans another reason to come together during Heritage Month.
Whether you’re visiting for the music, the food, or the atmosphere, this year’s festival promises to showcase some of the very best that Durban has to offer.
Source: Adapted from information supplied by the event organisers.
