KuGompo City is set to come alive on September 26, when DNF Waste and Environmental Services hosts the DNF Green Jazz Festival & Market 2026.
The unique community celebration blends live jazz, fine art, poetry, and sustainable fashion with environmental awareness.
Hosted to showcase how sustainability can be both inspiring and enjoyable, the festival will bring together an outstanding line-up of established and emerging musicians, an interactive Green Market, upcycling workshops, and an art competition.
Headlining the main stage will be iconic SA jazz master McCoy Mrubata.
The packed programme celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Eastern Cape while offering a high-profile platform for local artists and youth talent.
The musical line-up features:
Another Level Jazz / Fusion Band led by Cliff Freeman, alongside Jada Freeman, Mwezi Zazi, Lizanne “Xena” Bradley, and Abbey “Kruger” Maqhula.
Retsi Pule & The UFH Jazz Band: Bringing legendary university-honed sounds.
HW Factor: Led by Harold Wynkwart, featuring Jerome Bezuidenhout and Percival Mbonani.
Imonti Jazz Band: Featuring Mzuvukile Sokatsi, Phumlile Mbishe, Jay Missi, Kelvin Mafoshah, and Vuyolwethu Vovo Nyangwa.
Urban Connection: Led by Aubrey Manuel.
Noise in the Attic: Led by Athandile Kula and featuring pupils from Hudson Park High.
Adding to the cultural mix, Pralene Poetry will perform a specially composed poem live at the festival.
Fashion meets environmental action in a Trashion Show organised by TC Models Agency, where models will showcase garments crafted entirely from discarded and recycled materials.
Visual arts take centre stage in the Upcycle & Recycle Art Competition under the theme, “DON’T BIN IT. BEGIN IT!”
Entrants are challenged to create 2D and 3D artworks using discarded items.
Judged by the creative team from Current Consulting Marketing Agency, cash prizes will be awarded across Primary School, High School, and Open categories at the market. Art submissions must be delivered directly to DNF’s premises between September 21 and 23 (for queries, contact Lisa on 072-697-0604).
The DNF Green Market will feature eco-entrepreneurs selling goods made from reclaimed materials, demonstrating the practical side of the circular economy.
Hands-on workshops will also teach attendees how to repurpose household items.
The event is supported by Platinum Partners The ROSE Foundation and Polyco, alongside media partners Mdantsane FM, Legends Creative Hub, Multimedia WorX, and Extreme Audio Visual.
Tickets are available online via Quicket.
