ECHOES OF THE SOUL

Echoes of the Soul

Echoes of the Soul

Multi-award-winning Afro-soul artist, composer and performer, Berita, gears up for a landmark, one-night-only music concert performance – Echoes of the Soul – at The Market Theatre. Supported by the SAMPRA Development Fund, the concert will take place on 1 May 2026 in the John Kani Theatre.

Born in Zimbabwe, Berita is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter whose music resonates deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond. First introduced to South Africa in 2012 through her debut single ‘Thandolwethu’, Berita’s music is a rich blend of Afro-soul, jazz and pop influences, offering a soundtrack for life’s diverse experiences. Her music explores themes of love, resilience and empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Marking over a decade of captivating South African audiences, Berita is set to elevate her authentic Afro-soul signature to new heights with this concert. For this second edition, she will be accompanied by a dynamic 9-piece ensemble and also feature hand-picked guest artists, creating a lush musical experience designed specifically for the intimate and prestigious atmosphere of The Market Theatre.

“This show is a homecoming for my music and my spirit,” shares Berita. “Moving into the John Kani Theatre allows us to truly honour the heart. I want to share the stories behind the songs and the moments in between that have echoed in my soul over the years.”

Audiences can expect a meticulously curated journey through Berita’s chart-topping hits and soulful renditions of beloved classics, all reimagined for a world-class theatre stage.

Don’t miss this once-off unforgettable night that honours your heart and echoes your soul.

Tickets for “Echoes of the Soul” are available at Webtickets.

Safe, secure and affordable underground parking available at Newtown Junction.

ITROTRA–MAP

4th ITROTRA–MAP Dance Festival at The Market Theatre

Itrotra Art X Connection (IAXC), in partnership with leading South African and international cultural institutions, proudly presents the 4th edition of the ITROTRA–MAP Dance Festival, taking place from 27 February to 7 March 2026 across Soweto and Johannesburg. This project has been funded by the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation.

Hosted at The Market Theatre, University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture, Alliance Française of Johannesburg, Goethe-Institut South Africa, Bapedi Hall (Soweto) and selected schools, the Festival reaffirms its position as a vital Mobile Art Platform (MAP)—connecting artists, audiences and communities through movement, dialogue and social engagement.

The 2026 edition unfolds under the powerful theme: “SAFE SPACES, SAFE LIVES.”

The Festival is co-curated by Gaby Saranouffi (Madagascar/South Africa) and Moeketsi Koena (SA). Both are internationally respected choreographers, educators and cultural leaders whose shared vision continues to position ITROTRA–MAP as a leading contemporary dance platform on the African continent.

Anchored in the conviction that a clean environment is a human right, and so is the right to live free from violence, the Festival positions contemporary dance as a catalyst for social reflection, resistance, healing and transformation. Through performances, films, workshops, flash mobs, exhibitions and public conversations, ITROTRA–MAP confronts urgent realities of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), environmental justice, masculinity, mental health and human dignity.

Rooted in the legacy of the ITROTRA International Contemporary Dance Festival of Madagascar – now in its 17th international edition – the South African chapter continues to strengthen Afro-global artistic exchange. The Festival brings together established and emerging artists from South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sweden, France and Germany, presenting a rich interdisciplinary programme that includes high-calibre contemporary dance and dance-theatre performances, circus and youth-focused works, dance film screenings and artist talks, professional choreographic residencies and workshops, school performances and community outreach initiatives as well as an immersive GBVF-focused visual art exhibition.

The Festival will open on 27 February 2026 at The Market Theatre (Barney Simon), forming part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The opening will launch with a powerful triple bill featuring a spoken-word performance by Kgotso Koena with live saxophone by Karabo Mohlala. Again, Moeketsi Koena will present MEKGWA – Habits (Reimagined), while Luthando Arts Academy will showcase SEHOKOLO – Missing Link.

International and local highlights include works by Thierry Randriatsitohaina (Madagascar), Vincent Mantsoe (France/SA), Thabiso Pule (SA), Deus Nos Acudi–Pak Ndjamena (Mozambique), Kwanele Finch (SA) and many more.

Selected events will be ticketed via Webtickets, Quicket and box office; many events are free entry.

The Vault

The Vault: Album Launch Live at The Market Theatre

Multi-award-winning songstress and Standard Bank Young Artist for Music 2023, Zoë Modiga, presents “The Vault: Album Launch Live at The Market Theatre”. This new wonder world era will take place on 23 April 2026, staged on the iconic John Kani Theatre stage.

It is brought to you by creative and cultural hub, Yelloëwax.

“The Vault” is Modiga’s self-written and produced fourth album, characterised by an experimental, alternative-soul sonic landscape. It is a love-themed time machine with 20 years’ worth of unreleased music dating from 2007 to 2025, composed alongside some of the career-defining songs in her discography.

By definition, “The Vault” is inspired by the safekeeping of valuable things and the unearthing of what lies buried and unseen. It also means “to jump or leap over an obstacle”. In this case, the obstacle is overcoming life experiences through choosing to wholeheartedly surrender to one’s childlike imagination.

This work introduces the songstress’s creative “evolved” ego and producer tag, “Rha”, who takes centre stage in the telling of this personable, vulnerable, quirky and sensual story. “Rha!” is the South African expression usually associated with disgust. In this case, it is used as an expression of audacity, which is what expressing freely requires.

The phrase also means “places of water”. This is the code to this secret music and the secret place in all of us.

“I am a musical chameleon who is excited to share that with people. I feel anchored in all we’ve been able to collectively create and build over the years, and I feel ready to expand on that through what has been a childlike exploration and fire beneath my feet. Much of my practice involves being anchored by the discomfort that can accompany the music-making process. It is in the digging deep that I intend to express and encourage the necessary freedoms that can only emerge from being refined in that fire,” Zoë Modiga shares.

She continues, “We have cultivated a culture around the music, imaging and messaging, and now I wish to share the in-betweens, the unknowns, and ultimately the beauty in creating from that. I wish for many things; I wish to find the innocence and play that music always brought out of me from an early age. I recognise the layers and textures as they describe the multiplicity that has always existed with me. More than anything, I champion humanising myself and all my listeners with this record.”

Zoë Modiga returns to The Market Theatre during its year-long 50^th anniversary celebrations, which – among others – aim to highlight the power of music in confronting injustices and giving audiences a vocabulary of love, hope and resistance. As she lends her powerful voice to this crucial milestone, heritage meets innovation to create a legacy for the future.

Don’t miss this powerful performance on 23 April 2026 in the John Kani Theatre. Unlock “The Vault” and discover the wonders hidden within you.

The show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are out on Webtickets.

Zawadi Yamungu to Enchant Audiences at The Market Theatre

Zawadi Yamungu to Enchant Audiences

On 14 March 2026, Zawadi Yamungu – an exceptional musician renowned for her commanding performances and distinctive approach to indigenous instruments – is set to captivate audiences at her highly anticipated Ngimuhle Album Tour. The event will take place at The Market Theatre, with doors opening at 17:00 and the performance commencing at 18:00.

Zawadi, celebrated for her powerful African voice and the healing effects of her music, draws inspiration from her rich heritage and experiences. Her artistry incorporates a wide range of indigenous instruments, bringing traditional sounds to contemporary audiences. Over the years, she has garnered acclaim alongside some of the industry’s leading artists. She has also represented the country on international stages, including a prominent collaboration which took South Africa by storm at the Paris Fashion Week with the Maxhosa brand. Again, she received an award in Ghana and made a name in India by doing cultural exchange activities.

This upcoming performance will showcase a selection of Zawadi’s beloved tracks and her latest singles “Ngimuhle” and “Mama”, capturing the essence of her musical journey. Each song is infused with deep emotional resonance and cultural significance, offering listeners a unique experience.

Joining Zawadi on stage will be a stellar lineup of featured artists, including The Soil, a renowned Afro-soul band known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Sindiswa Zulu, a rising star in the music scene, and a guest act yet to be confirmed, whose dynamic performances are sure to enhance the evening’s entertainment. Together, they promise to create an unforgettable atmosphere filled with vibrant energy and rich musical variety.

Tickets for the event are available now, and early booking is highly recommended given the anticipated demand. This concert provides an excellent opportunity for fans to experience live music in a captivating venue, and supports the local arts scene.

The show arrives at The Market Theatre as it marks 50 years of bold storytelling, with programming that is in part dedicated to highlighting the power of song and sound in confronting injustice and giving audiences the vocabulary of hope, love and resistance.

Zawadi Yamungu invites music lovers of all backgrounds to join her on this special night, as she celebrates the power of music to connect communities and uplift spirits. This performance at The Market Theatre is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of culture, unity and the enduring beauty of African music.

Tickets for Ngimuhle Album Tour are out on Webtickets.

Dr Mbongeni Ngema: This is my story

A much-anticipated documentary on the life and times of acclaimed theatre-maker, musician and writer, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, is set to premiere at The Market Theatre on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Themed “Celebrating South African Heroes and Heroines”, the screening will honour the legacy of Dr Ngema as a powerful voice that spoke courageously against an oppressive regime. This moment occurs as the country marks 50 years since the June 16, 1976 Student Uprisings as well as the 50^th anniversary of The Market Theatre, key historical developments bearing profound significance for post-struggle South Africa.

The documentary, which began filming as a rehearsal in 2020 in Dr Ngema’s Johannesburg home, turned out to be the last opportunity for the producers to record his life story, as he passed away in December 2023.

Although Dr Ngema narrates the greater part of the film, he is supported by interviews with other greats, the likes of former president Nelson Mandela, longest serving ANC President OR Tambo, entrepreneur Richard Maponya, legendary musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, international actor Dr John Kani, music composer Quincy Jones and actress Whoopi Goldberg. “Stimela saseZola” backing vocalist Mandisa Dlanga and “Sarafina” actresses Khanyo Maphumulo, Leleti Khumalo, Velephi Mnisi and Sonto Khumalo also lend their insights to make the work richer.

The documentary goes deep into situations and incidences that shaped Dr Ngema’s life. It begins with him taking us back to the youngest memory he has about his life, which was in deep rural Zululand, sitting in front of a fire with his grandmother, who told him heroic stories about his ancestors. Dr Ngema believes it was those stories which embedded in him the talent for storytelling. From these humble beginnings, Dr Ngema went on to become an internationally acclaimed playwright, choreographer, composer and actor. Some of his notable works include plays such as “Woza Albert”, the Tony-nominated “Asinamali”, the award-winning “Sarafina”, as well as African hit song “Stimela saseZola”, to name a few.

In the documentary, Dr Ngema takes us through the rollercoaster journey of his life, inviting us into the ups and downs that refined him, and the challenges and victories that hoisted him to iconic status. But more preciously, he takes us behind the scenes on the thinking and situations behind some of his greatest works.

This work has already won Best Documentary Feature Film at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards and at the Umlazi International Film Festival. It has been officially selected at three International Film Festivals, namely Mashariki in Kigali, Abibitumi in Accra and the Joburg Film Festival in Johannesburg. Additionally, it has also been screened for a select audiences, including schools.

As a concept, “This is my story” is a series of self-narrated documentaries of South African Icons telling their own stories. It is produced and directed by Lindani Mbense, a former broadcaster at the SABC.

The Market Theatre Foundation Welcomes the Appointment of Its New Council

The Market Theatre Foundation (MTF) is pleased to announce that the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Gayton McKenzie, has appointed new members to its Council in terms of Section 5(1)(a) of the Cultural Institutions Act (Act 119 of 1998).

The newly appointed Council is legislatively mandated to provide oversight and strategic direction in the implementation of the institution’s bold creative vision.

This appointment comes at a significant moment in the MTF’s history, as The Market Theatre, one of its main artistic hubs, celebrates 50 years of fearless storytelling this year. The collective expertise of this Council covers a wide range of critical competencies, spanning governance, law, research, artistic practice, community engagement and more that are integral to the success of the organisation.

As The Market Theatre Foundation looks ahead to many more years of intentional partnerships, artistic excellence, cultural representation and community impact, we welcome the skills set the new Council comes with.

The Market Theatre’s year-long anniversary celebration will be filled with compelling productions, exhibitions, conversations and community engagement projects that will honour our past, energise our present and build on the re-imagination of our future.

The nine-member MTF Council is constituted as follows:

Florence Masebe – Chairperson
Siphe Potelwa
Nalini Maharaj
Francois Smit
Rami Chuene
Mamollo Monica Miya
Venessa Pretorius
Shenay Lottering
Bernedette Muthien

Tshiamo Mokgadi, Chief Executive Officer of The Market Theatre Foundation, extends her best wishes to the newly appointed Council members and looks forward to a meaningful and collaborative term ahead.

ENDS.

The Market Theatre Foundation is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.