Matlosana Hello Festival 2026: A New Year Celebration With Cultural and Economic Impact
- Karen Scheepers
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
The City of Matlosana Local Municipality, in partnership with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality of Sports, has officially confirmed its support for the Matlosana Hello Festival 2026. Scheduled for 31 December 2025 and 01 January 2026 at Mshengu Fun City in Klerksdorp, the festival is one of the largest lifestyle and entertainment events in the North West Province. It promises not only to ring in the new year with cultural vibrancy but also to deliver a significant boost to the local economy.
A Premier Lifestyle Event
Over the years, the Hello Festival has become a fixture on the regional entertainment calendar, drawing thousands of revelers from across the province and beyond. Known for its diverse offering of music, food, and cultural showcases, the event has built a reputation as a platform that merges community celebration with the promotion of South Africa’s rich artistic identity.
For 2026, organizers have designed a two-day programme that balances modern trends with traditional influences:
31 December 2025: Lekompo vs Amapiano — a high-energy celebration of contemporary music trends.
01 January 2026: All White Jazz Festival — a sophisticated opening to the new year, spotlighting South African jazz and soul.
Economic Value and Opportunities
Beyond its entertainment drawcard, the Hello Festival is positioned as an economic enabler for the Matlosana region. Municipal leadership has highlighted the festival’s role in stimulating business and creating opportunities for vendors, service providers, and entrepreneurs in hospitality and tourism.
By attracting visitors from other towns and provinces, the event injects revenue into local guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and transport services. Temporary employment opportunities are also expected to arise, particularly in the areas of event management, logistics, and security.
This combination of cultural and economic benefits underscores the festival’s dual role as both a celebration of community identity and a tool for local economic development.
Celebrated Line-Up of Artists
The festival’s music line-up for 2026 features a blend of iconic legends and contemporary performers.
Among those expected to perform are:
Jazz and Afro-Soul Icons: Selaelo Selota, Teboho Moloi, Bhudaza.
Kwaito and Legendary Groups: Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Boom Shaka, Brothers of Peace, Mdu Masilela, Thebe, Mafikizolo.
Amapiano Stars and New-Generation Acts: Kabza De Small, Lady Du, Nkosazana Daughter, Kharishma, King Monada, Leemckrazy, Mawhoo, Shandesh, Thope Tse Khano.
This mix ensures that the festival appeals to multiple generations and musical tastes, from kwaito nostalgia to cutting-edge amapiano rhythms, with jazz adding a classic New Year’s Day flair.
Leadership Endorsement
The Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Cllr Nikiwe Num, welcomed the return of the festival, describing it as a cultural and economic driver. She emphasized that events of this scale help to position Matlosana as a premier destination for lifestyle and cultural experiences in the North West Province.
According to the municipality, supporting such initiatives reflects a broader commitment to promoting arts, music, and culture while ensuring tangible socio-economic benefits for residents.
A Safe and Festive Celebration
Safety remains a central priority for the festival, with organizers working alongside local authorities to ensure smooth operations and secure conditions for attendees. Measures will include traffic management, on-site medical services, and structured event layouts to accommodate large crowds comfortably.
Residents and visitors can expect a family-friendly yet festive environment, designed to showcase the spirit of Matlosana while creating lasting memories to usher in the new year.
Wrap-Up
The Matlosana Hello Festival 2026 is set to combine entertainment, culture, and economic impact in a two-day celebration at the heart of Klerksdorp. With its star-studded line-up, commitment to community development, and strategic focus on boosting local businesses, the festival reinforces Matlosana’s reputation as both a cultural hub and an economic driver.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the Hello Festival stands ready to deliver a safe, vibrant, and unforgettable celebration for residents and visitors alike.
🎶🥳💃🏽🍲🎺
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