KNYSNA NEWS - Garden Route audiences can look forward to a soulful jazz performance when rising vocalist Anqobile Teyise takes to the stage at the Knysna African Arts Festival on Human Rights Day, 21 March, at Loerie Park Stadium.
Born in Plettenberg Bay and now based in Knysna, Teyise will present a special jazz set accompanied by a three-piece ensemble of piano, bass guitar and drums, promising a rich and intimate musical experience.
A graduate of the African Indigenous Renaissance (Air) Entre-preneur Programme 2025, Teyise has gained recognition for her warm tone, expressive phrasing and engaging stage presence. Rooted in jazz and soul traditions, her performances blend technical finesse with heartfelt storytelling, moving effortlessly between classic standards, reimagined favourites and contemporary interpretations.
Teyise began performing at the age of 12 and has steadily built a reputation across the Garden Route. She has appeared on platforms such as the Plett Arts Festival and Tshisa Talent, where her powerful vocals quickly captured the attention of audiences.
Her recent Golden Ticket on Idols South Africa marked a significant national breakthrough and posi-tioned her as one of the region's most promising young voices.
Her performance at the Knysna African Arts Festival forms part of a broader programme celebrating South Africa's cultural diversity through music, dance, visual arts, food and craft.
Heavyweight line-up
The festival will feature an impressive line-up including internationally acclaimed ethnomusicologist Professor Dizu Plaatjies, award-winning dance music star Prince Kaybee, and pop performer Shaza, alongside DJs, live bands and emerging regional artists.
Highlights of the day include a cultural opening ceremony featuring the Prince Albert Vastrappers performing their iconic Rain Dance, the Air Dance Challenge, a curated visual arts exhibition titled Nature's Language, an African Craft Village, traditional food experiences and a family-friendly children's edutainment zone.
The event also represents the culmination of the Air Project, a training initiative aimed at equipping young artists from rural and underserved communities with skills in indigenous music, craft, performance and arts entrepreneurship.
Making its official debut this year, the Knysna African Arts Festival is presented by Western Cape Arts Festivals and the Ariva Arts Foun-dation in partnership with Knysna Municipality and Premier Hotels & Resorts, with funding support from the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the National Arts Council of South Africa, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
Organisers say the festival aims to establish a vibrant cultural platform for the Garden Route, where heritage, creativity and opportunity can come together in celebration.
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