Soweto will host one of Gauteng’s major cultural music events this March as the Catch A Fire Reggae Festival returns on 14 March 2026 at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West. The festival brings together South African reggae performers, international artists, and emerging musicians for a full day of performances celebrating reggae culture and heritage.
Organisers say the event forms part of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive programme and aims to highlight the role of music and cultural events in the province’s creative economy. The festival is supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Gauteng Tourism Authority, according to the official event announcement.
With both local and international performers scheduled to appear, the event places Soweto at the centre of a broader global reggae network that spans Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia.
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A Cultural Reggae Celebration in Soweto
Catch A Fire Reggae Festival is positioned as a cultural gathering that blends music, heritage and community experiences.
According to the event announcement, the festival seeks to create a shared space where reggae music connects with African cultural expression.
The event will take place at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West, a location historically associated with South Africa’s liberation history and cultural movements.
Organisers say the festival aims to bring together audiences from across the country and the wider African region through music and cultural exchange.
Local Reggae Artists on the Lineup
The festival programme features a mix of established South African reggae artists and newer performers emerging within the genre.
Confirmed South African performers include:
- Boom Shaka
- Ras Nkhushu
- Bongo Riot
- Ntunja
- Black Dillinger
- Skeleton Blazer
- Luwe Da Lion
These artists represent different generations of reggae music within South Africa and reflect the genre’s continued influence in township music culture.
According to organisers, the local lineup aims to highlight South Africa’s reggae heritage while creating space for contemporary interpretations of the genre.
International and Continental Performers
The event will also feature performers from several regions across the globe, expanding the festival beyond a local showcase.
International and continental performers scheduled to appear include:
- Reemah from the United States Virgin Islands
- Jahworks Soundsystem from Japan
- Ras Ricky from Seychelles
- Dynamq from South Sudan
- Crucial Vybz Sound from Zimbabwe
- King Lagazee from Ghana
- DJ Kobie Ashanti HiFi from Trinidad
The presence of international artists reflects reggae’s global cultural network and the genre’s historical connections across Africa, the Caribbean and the wider diaspora.
Event organisers say the lineup has been curated to represent both roots reggae traditions and newer styles within the genre.
Rising Voices in the Reggae Scene
Alongside established performers, the festival will also showcase emerging artists.
The programme includes performances by:
- Bhubesi Simba
- Itesman
- KingBlack Yellow
These performers represent a younger generation of reggae musicians working across various musical styles including roots reggae, dub and dancehall.
Festival organisers say the inclusion of rising artists is intended to support the development of the genre while introducing new voices to larger audiences.
Part of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive Programme
The Catch A Fire Reggae Festival forms part of the City of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive programme, which supports cultural events across the city.
Arts Alive has historically hosted concerts, theatre productions, exhibitions and community festivals aimed at strengthening the city’s cultural sector.
According to organisers, the festival contributes to Johannesburg’s broader cultural calendar while also supporting local creative industries.
The event also highlights the role of music festivals in attracting visitors to township cultural spaces.
Catch A Fire Culture Market
Alongside the music performances, the festival will feature the Catch A Fire Culture Market, which organisers say forms an important part of the event’s cultural experience.
The market will include stalls showcasing:
- African craft and handmade goods
- Local food vendors
- Herbal products
- Art and fashion
- Community based creative enterprises
The cultural market is intended to provide opportunities for local traders and creatives to connect with festival visitors while highlighting African heritage and craftsmanship.
Festival organisers describe the market as a space where visitors can explore cultural products and learn more about the stories behind local creators.
Event Details
Key details for the festival include:
- Event: Catch A Fire Reggae Festival 2026
- Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026
- Time: From 12:00
- Venue: Ubuntu Kraal, 11346 Senokoanyana Street, Dube, Soweto
- Ticket Price: R300 to R350
According to organisers, tickets are available through national ticketing outlets and participating retail stores.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Large cultural festivals continue to play an important role in Gauteng’s tourism and entertainment sectors.
Events like Catch A Fire provide opportunities for:
- Local musicians and performers to reach wider audiences
- Township cultural venues to host large scale events
- Tourism activity in areas such as Soweto
- Job opportunities within the events and hospitality sectors
For residents, the festival also adds to Gauteng’s broader cultural calendar, particularly during the late summer events season.
Music festivals remain one of the most visible ways in which the province’s cultural identity is expressed through public events.
FAQ: Catch A Fire Reggae Festival 2026
When is the Catch A Fire Reggae Festival taking place?
The festival will be held on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
Where will the event be hosted?
The event will take place at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West, Soweto.
Who is performing at the festival?
The lineup includes South African artists such as Boom Shaka and Ras Nkhushu alongside international performers including Reemah and Jahworks Soundsystem.
Is the event part of a larger programme?
Yes. The festival forms part of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive cultural programme.
How can tickets be obtained?
According to organisers, tickets are available through ticketing platforms and selected retail outlets.
What Happens Next
The Catch A Fire Reggae Festival is expected to take place on 14 March 2026, with organisers preparing for a full day of performances and cultural activities in Soweto.
As part of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive programme, the event contributes to a series of cultural initiatives taking place across the city throughout the year.
Authorities and organisers will continue coordinating logistics, security and event management ahead of the festival date, with further updates expected as the event approaches.
