eThekwini Shisanyama Festival Brings Durban’s Biggest Braai Weekend to Life
Durban is set to host one of the country’s biggest braai weekends on Saturday, 26 September 2026, as the second annual eThekwini Shisanyama Festival takes centre stage at Berea Rovers.
The festival will bring together music, food, culture and local entertainment for a celebration of Durban’s vibrant social and entertainment scene.
At the heart of the eThekwini Shisanyama Festival is a high-calibre music line-up led by award-winning amapiano producer Kelvin Momo, alongside Goldmax, DJ Cndo, Bello B, Chynaman and DJ Happygal. With Mgilane as host, the festival will bring together established and emerging music talent for a day centred on entertainment, food and community.
eThekwini Shisanyama Festival puts safety first
Safety remains a key priority for this year’s eThekwini Shisanyama Festival, with organisers increasing security capacity to create a secure environment for everyone attending, with particular attention to the safety and wellbeing of women.
The measures come as South Africa continues to confront violence against women, making safer public spaces an important part of the festival experience.
“We want people to come together, celebrate and create memories without fear. Every person attending deserves to feel safe, respected and protected, and at a time when so many women are living with the reality of violence and fear, we believe creating safer spaces is not simply a responsibility — it is a commitment to the people who trust us to host them,” says festival founder Lunga Mkhize.
Food and culture take centre stage
The eThekwini Shisanyama Festival will also feature an expanded selection of local food vendors, with greater emphasis on catering to different cultural, religious and dietary requirements.
Following conversations around the food offering at last year’s event, selected vendors will provide Halaal meat, while others will offer pork or beef alternatives.
A broader selection of vendors will provide varied food options, with organisers aiming to ensure that the culinary experience reflects the diversity of the people attending.
“A shisanyama is fundamentally about community and gathering around food. We listened to what people told us after the first edition and wanted this year’s offering to better reflect the diversity of our audience. Everyone should be able to find something they can enjoy and feel considered,” Mkhize adds.
What to expect at the eThekwini Shisanyama Festival
The second edition will build on the communal spirit of the inaugural festival while placing greater emphasis on safety, inclusivity and the overall experience of attendees.
The entertainment programme will be headlined by Kelvin Momo, with Goldmax, DJ Cndo, Bello B, Chynaman and DJ Happygal also joining the line-up.
The combination of live music, shisanyama, local food vendors and Durban’s entertainment culture is expected to make the festival a major gathering for music and food lovers.
Weather conditions being monitored
With the festival taking place outdoors, organisers are monitoring weather conditions closely in the lead-up to the event.
Current forecasts indicate a relatively low likelihood of rainfall, although conditions will continue to be monitored as the weekend approaches.
Attendees are encouraged to keep an eye on official festival updates as the event date gets closer.
eThekwini Shisanyama Festival 2026 details
The eThekwini Shisanyama Festival takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Berea Rovers, 73 Jackson Jackson Drive, Durban.
Event details:
- Event: eThekwini Shisanyama Festival
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: Berea Rovers
- Address: 73 Jackson Jackson Drive, Durban
- Music: Kelvin Momo, Goldmax, DJ Cndo, Bello B, Chynaman and DJ Happygal
- Host: Mgilane
Tickets are available through the official ticketing platform https://www.howler.co.za/events/ethekwini-shisanyama-festival-cef5
