{"id":22296,"date":"2025-08-12T17:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T15:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=22296"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:03:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:03:13","slug":"rosefest-2025-shekhinahs-music-festival-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/rosefest-2025-shekhinahs-music-festival-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Rosefest 2025: Shekhinah\u2019s Women-Centered Music Festival Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Rosefest 2025 marked a vibrant celebration of women\u2019s empowerment and artistry in South Africa\u2019s music scene. Founded and curated by singer-songwriter Shekhinah, this unique festival has become a beloved annual event. An event dedicated to uplifting women through music, community, and safe spaces. Held at the scenic Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort on 9 August&#8230; Rosefest brought together a diverse line-up of female performers and provided an unforgettable experience. An experience centred on female creativity, strength, and solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#the-vision-behind-rosefest\" data-level=\"2\">The Vision Behind Rosefest<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-safe-women-first-space\" data-level=\"2\">Rosefest: A Safe, Women-First Space<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-dynamic-lineup-celebrating-female-artistry\" data-level=\"2\">Music Festival: A Dynamic Lineup Celebrating Female Artistry<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#more-than-music-celebrating-womanhood-through-expe\" data-level=\"2\">More Than Music: Celebrating Womanhood Through Experiences<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#social-impact-and-community-engagement\" data-level=\"2\">Social Impact and Community Engagement<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-festival-atmosphere\" data-level=\"2\">The Festival Atmosphere<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-about-shekhinah\" data-level=\"2\">About Shekhinah<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#looking-forward-rosefests-growing-legacy\" data-level=\"2\">Rosefest\u2019s Growing Legacy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-vision-behind-rosefest\">The Vision Behind Rosefest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shekhinah created Rosefest in 2019 to address the inequalities women face in the music industry. More than just a festival, it is a platform to showcase female talent, empower women, and foster a sense of sisterhood. The festival also actively addresses important social issues. Issues such as gender-based violence and mental health through conversations and partnerships with organisations like Lifeline South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the return of Rosefest in 2025, the event built on this foundation, blending powerful live performances with community engagement and awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3719747201\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-safe-women-first-space\">Rosefest: A Safe, Women-First Space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding South Africa\u2019s challenges with gender-based violence, Shekhinah prioritised safety at Rosefest. The event featured robust security measures and offered a free shuttle service from an overflow parking area about 1.6 kilometres away to ensure attendees\u2019 comfort and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"506\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755010947.png\" alt=\"Rosefest 2025 Music Festival\" class=\"wp-image-22322\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This emphasis on safety created a welcoming space where women could freely celebrate, connect, and enjoy the festival without fear, an experience that resonated deeply with the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-dynamic-lineup-celebrating-female-artistry\">Music Festival: A Dynamic Lineup Celebrating Female Artistry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rosefest showcased a broad range of genres, ensuring there was something for every music lover. The line-up included standout performances by artists such as Zo\u00eb Modiga, Zee Nxumalo, Elaine, and Shekhinah herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"506\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755012377.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-22345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755012377.png 506w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755012377-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755012377-150x200.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755012377-450x600.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From soulful jazz and smooth R&amp;B to vibrant house, hip hop, and Amapiano. The festival reflected the diversity and richness of South African female music makers. Elaine\u2019s sunset performance was especially memorable, adding a magical touch to the festival\u2019s atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shekhinah\u2019s own set, performed under the glow of a full moon, created an intimate and memorable finale for a day filled with music and empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2697835421\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"more-than-music-celebrating-womanhood-through-expe\">More Than Music: Celebrating Womanhood Through Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond music, Rosefest offered free activities to engage attendees in creative and social ways. Highlights included face painting, a photo booth offering printouts as keepsakes, a crinkled paper rose garden installation inspired by Shekhinah\u2019s album <em>Trouble in Paradise<\/em>, and a popular sip-and-paint session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011201.png\" alt=\"Rosefest 2025 Music Festival\" class=\"wp-image-22325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011201.png 640w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011201-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011201-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Festival-goers also had the chance to listen to Shekhinah\u2019s then-new album <em>Less Trouble<\/em> in a specially designed listening booth, reminiscent of an old-school music store&#8230; Offering an immersive experience ahead of the album\u2019s wider release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"social-impact-and-community-engagement\">Social Impact and Community Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rosefest is committed to making a positive social impact. Through partnerships with organisations such as Lifeline South Africa and inclusion of social justice dialogues moderated by activists like Ashanti Kunene, the festival encourages discussions on mental health, gender-based violence, and breaking down toxic societal attitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011273.png\" alt=\"Rosefest 2025 Music Festival\" class=\"wp-image-22326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011273.png 640w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011273-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These efforts transform Rosefest into more than a music event, it is a movement towards awareness, healing, and empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1844457922\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-festival-atmosphere\">The Festival Atmosphere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Held in the beautiful botanical gardens, the setting amplified Rosefest\u2019s spirit of growth and renewal. The atmosphere was one of joy, solidarity, and creative inspiration where women supported and celebrated each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011301.png\" alt=\"Rosefest 2025 Music Festival\" class=\"wp-image-22327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011301.png 509w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011301-226x300.png 226w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011301-150x199.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1755011301-450x597.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The event successfully dispelled myths about female competition, instead reinforcing unity and mutual upliftment, qualities that echoed throughout the day\u2019s music and activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-shekhinah\">About Shekhinah<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, known simply as Shekhinah, is a celebrated South African pop and R&amp;B singer-songwriter born in Durban in 1994. She first gained national recognition as a contestant on the 7th and 8th seasons of South Africa&#8217;s&nbsp;<em>Idols<\/em>&nbsp;TV show, reaching the Top 6 in season 8. Shekhinah holds a Live Performance degree from AFDA and has established herself as one of South Africa\u2019s leading music artists. Her debut album&nbsp;<em>Rose Gold<\/em>&nbsp;went multi-platinum, featuring hit singles like &#8220;Suited,&#8221; and she has won multiple awards, including an MTV Africa Music Award. Known for her soulful voice and empowering messages&#8230; Shekhinah uses her platform to uplift women and address social issues through her music and initiatives like Rosefest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Read about the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/dj-zinhles-zee-nation-festival-2025\/\">Besties Bring Festival Themes to Life at DJ Zinhle\u2019s Zee Nation Festival 2025<\/a><\/strong>. Step inside the vibrant world of Zee Nation Festival 2025<\/em>&#8230; W<em>here friendship, fashion, and unforgettable beats set the stage for an epic celebration!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3036410778\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"looking-forward-rosefests-growing-legacy\">Rosefest\u2019s Growing Legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rosefest\u2019s success in 2025 reinforces Shekhinah\u2019s vision of a festival that champions women, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/entertainment\/rosefest-how-shekhinah-created-a-girls-girl-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">promotes<\/a> safe public spaces, and raises awareness of critical social challenges. It <a href=\"https:\/\/urbanlifestylesa.co.za\/event\/rosefest-2025-shekhinahs-empowering-womens-day-festival-returns-with-a-sold-out-celebration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">encourages artists<\/a>, attendees, and communities to continue <a href=\"https:\/\/iol.co.za\/entertainment\/music\/2025-08-11-from-zee-nation-fest-to-rosefest-joburg-celebrated-womens-day-in-style\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supporting<\/a> female empowerment both on and off the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Rosefest looks to future editions, its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rosefest.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">impact<\/a> on South African music and society is set to deepen, inspiring greater inclusion and equality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover Shekhinah\u2019s Rosefest 2025, a women-centred music festival celebrating female artistry, empowerment, and community in South Africa\u2019s vibrant music scene.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Discover Shekhinah\u2019s Rosefest 2025, a women-centred music festival celebrating female artistry, empowerment, and community in South Africa\u2019s vibrant music scene.","footnotes":""},"categories":[1706],"tags":[2712,4580,7372,102,2491,2711,4578,10533],"class_list":{"0":"post-22296","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"tag-botanical-gardens","9":"tag-female-empowerment-music","10":"tag-festival-news","11":"tag-festivals-and-concerts-in-gauteng","12":"tag-music-festival-johannesburg","13":"tag-walter-sisulu","14":"tag-women-in-music","15":"tag-womens-day"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22296"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22346,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22296\/revisions\/22346"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}