MBABANE – The countdown has officially begun for one of Mpumalanga’s fastest-growing cultural celebrations, the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival, as organisers have announced that tickets for the highly anticipated 2026 edition are now on sale.
Set to take place on October 31 and November 1, 2026, at the picturesque Ngwenya Estate in White River, Mpumalanga, the festival promises two unforgettable days filled with music, fashion, art, food, culture and camping under the stars.
Phase 1 tickets officially went on sale on May 22, 2026, and are available through Computicket, Howler and Moja Tickets. Prices have been set at E200 for a General Day Pass, E350 for a General Weekend Pass, E500 for a VIP Day Pass and E700 for a VIP Weekend Pass.
Adding to the excitement, the festival has also earned a nomination in the Best Event category at the Best of Mbombela Awards, a milestone organisers have described as a testament to the event’s growing influence on Mpumalanga’s cultural and creative landscape. Commercial radio station Rise FM has been confirmed as the festival’s official media partner.
Festival organisers have urged supporters to cast their votes and help secure the award.
“This festival is about you, your talent, your culture and your voice. Let’s take it all the way,” organisers said while encouraging the public to participate in the voting process.
Since its inception, the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival has evolved into far more than a music event. The annual celebration brings together music, fashion, fine art, sculpture, entrepreneurship, cultural exhibitions, workshops and live performances, creating a platform that showcases creativity while generating economic opportunities for local communities.
According to organisers, the festival was established to provide a stage for emerging and established talent, support local entrepreneurs and artisans, promote cultural exchange and heritage, boost tourism and economic activity, and strengthen the broader creative industries within Mpumalanga.
The festival is the brainchild of Advocate Twain Ngwenya, who launched the initiative with a vision of creating a world-class cultural showcase for the province. Through the festival, Ngwenya has championed the development of local artists and creatives while helping position Mpumalanga as a leading destination for arts, culture and tourism.
The inaugural Phakama Mpumalanga Festival was held on October 28 and 29, 2023, at Ngwenya Estate near Mbombela. Organisers described it as a first-of-its-kind annual celebration for the province.
Since then, the event has continued to grow in stature and attendance. The 2024 edition expanded its music, fashion and arts programme, featuring renowned performers such as Mandisi Dyantyis, Sun-El Musician, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Bholoja and GranMah.
The momentum continued in 2025, with festival-goers enjoying performances from Phumla Music, Mbuso Khoza, Mörda, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Oscar Mbo, Jabulile Majola and Shakes & Les.
Often described as Mpumalanga’s answer to major lifestyle festivals, Phakama has earned recognition for successfully blending entertainment with art, fashion, culture, entrepreneurship and community development rather than focusing solely on music.
Reflecting on the festival’s journey during a 2025 interview, Ngwenya noted that the event was entering its third year, highlighting the remarkable growth it had achieved since its launch in 2023.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, organisers are promising another immersive experience that celebrates creativity, culture and community spirit while providing a stage for local talent to shine alongside established performers.
With ticket sales now underway and a prestigious award nomination already under its belt, the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival appears poised to write yet another successful chapter in its growing story.
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