South African musician and socio-economic developer Nomsa Mazwai has announced the launch of Sober Fest, a health, wellness and family-focused music festival taking place on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg.
The festival, scheduled for Freedom Day weekend from 10:00 to 18:00, aims to promote what Mazwai describes as “a New Freedom” centred on substance-free living, community wellness and conscious celebration. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
Mazwai says the initiative responds to South Africa’s high levels of substance abuse and its wider social and economic impact. She highlights research indicating that alcohol-related harm costs the country between 10% and 12% of GDP, alongside high rates of binge drinking and related social challenges.
Sober Fest will feature a full music lineup including Thandiswa Mazwai, Nomisupasta and Maleh, alongside DJs DJ Kenzhero and Vester Sdizo. The event will be hosted by Ntsiki Mazwai, with performances spanning multiple generations of South African music.
Artists involved say the festival offers a new kind of cultural space focused on joy and inclusion without substance use. Maleh said the event represents “a declaration that joy, freedom and celebration don’t need substances to be enjoyable,” adding that it provides a safe environment for families and children.
Beyond music, the festival includes a wellness programme featuring breathwork sessions with Lebo Nke, yoga with Thando from Here.Now, a sound bath experience, guided heritage walking tours, and comedy by Khanyisa Bunu. The event will also include a supervised children’s play area and a curated food and wellness market.
Organisers say Sober Fest is designed as a family-oriented experience that combines entertainment with healing, education and community engagement.
The event is presented by Soweto Night Out Tours and Soweto Theatre, with support from Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Media24.
Sober Fest takes place on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at Soweto Theatre, Johannesburg. Tickets are available via Webtickets, and updates are shared on social media under @soberfestza.
