Phakama Mpumalanga Festival: A Celebration of Creativity, Culture & Community
Welcome to the official Rise FM spotlight on the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival — the vibrant, open-air feast of art, music, fashion, and culture right here in Mpumalanga.
What Is Phakama Mpumalanga Festival?
Phakama (meaning “rise up” or “stand tall” in isiZulu) is more than just a festival — it’s a platform for emerging talent and a window into the creative heartbeat of our province. The festival blends fine art, fashion, live sculpting, music, entrepreneurial showcases, and interactive workshops — all set against the scenic backdrop of Mpumalanga.
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The festival serves multiple purposes:
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Showcase local creatives — visual artists, designers, sculptors, models, and musicians
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Empower entrepreneurs — through the entrepreneurial village where local businesses can exhibit and sell their work
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Foster growth & learning — via workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities
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Celebrate cultural identity — shining a light on the richness and diversity of Mpumalanga’s heritage
A Brief History
While still young in its journey, Phakama has quickly made its mark. The 2024 edition — its second — drew attention with a lineup of notable acts including Mandisi Dyantyis, Sun-El Musician, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Bholoja, and GranMah.
Now celebrating its third year, the 2025 Phakama Mpumalanga Festival continues to evolve — expanding in scope and impact, and reaching more creatives and audiences across Mpumalanga and beyond.
What to Expect at Phakama 2025
Dates: 1 – 2 November 2025
Venue: Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Here’s what attendees can look forward to:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine Art Exhibitions | Paintings, installations, live art, and gallery showcases |
| Fashion Runway | Local designers unveiling collections and models bringing style to life |
| Live Sculpting | Sculptors creating pieces live and interacting with the crowd |
| Music & Performances | Artists from across genres taking the stage |
| Workshops & Masterclasses | Skill-building sessions in art, fashion, and entrepreneurship |
| Entrepreneurial Village | Local SMEs selling crafts, fashion, and art while growing visibility and sales |
These elements combine to create not just a festival but a growing creative ecosystem.
Why It Matters — for Mpumalanga & Beyond
Phakama is doing more than entertain: it’s contributing to cultural and economic development. By centering local voices and talents, the festival helps:
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Build confidence and exposure for upcoming artists
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Grow the creative sector and informal enterprise economy
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Encourage tourism and cultural exchange
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Foster pride in regional arts and heritage
For Rise FM, being a media partner is more than branding — it’s standing with the community, amplifying local stories, and helping the festival reach new ears and hearts.
And with TELKOM as the main sponsor, the festival continues to connect people — not just digitally, but through shared experiences, creativity, and culture.
A Call to Action
If you’re an artist, designer, sculptor, musician, or aspiring entrepreneur — Phakama wants you. Consider:
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Applying to exhibit, perform, or run a workshop
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Joining the entrepreneurial village
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Sponsoring or partnering in kind
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Attending and immersing yourself in Mpumalanga’s creative pulse
Stay tuned here on Rise FM for updates, artist announcements, behind-the-scenes features, ticket info, and more.
Phakama Mpumalanga Festival — powered by TELKOM, amplified by RISE fm.
