Fête de la Musique returns with Sun-El Musician, Bongeziwe Mabandla and a focus on skills development

The Fête de la Musique returns to Victoria Yards for its 14th edition, promising more than just a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community, it’s also a platform shaping the future of South Africa’s entertainment industry.

Headlining this year’s festivities are two local superstars Sun-El Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla, who performed at the festival more than a decade ago and have since become nationally celebrated artists.

But the festival’s true legacy lies beyond the stage. Through its ongoing partnership with the Live Music Lab, Fête de la Musique offers a vital skills development programme for young professionals, giving them a rare, hands-on experience in the live music and events space.

Brad Holmes, founder of Bassline Jazz Club and co-organiser of the festival, explained why mentorship plays such a crucial role in empowering South Africa’s next generation of industry leaders, particularly during Youth Month.

“From the previous Live Music Lab intake, I picked out that some individuals love the industry and hope to contribute to it in a meaningful way; however, their passion is undirected, thus resulting in a blurry vision, making the path harder to navigate,” he shared.

“Age tends to play a factor in this; I could not properly articulate what I wanted to do until the age of 26. The guidance from a mentor can assist individuals to identify their interests, hone in on their strengths, and niche their interests based on their experiences.”

Holmes also stressed that connections are everything in the entertainment industry. “In an industry that is relationship-based, having a mentor can help erect a bridge between you and the network one needs to help start or propel their career.

"They can do this by either introducing you to their contacts or making you conscious of events that you can attend where other people with aligned interests could be,” he added.

The Live Music Lab programme ensures trainees are not only trained but are fully industry-ready.

“Each trainee gets the opportunity to shadow at two events across various roles, ensuring everyone develops both technical and soft skills,” Holmes explained.

“The programme also provides valuable industry insights and networking opportunities, equipping trainees with the confidence, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in the competitive entertainment landscape.”

And the results are already showing. “From the first 30 people we enrolled in the programme, 19 are working permanently in the industry.

"I have a 2024 and 2025 trainee who are both currently working with me, and I can see in real-time that the curriculum we have designed efficiently equips individuals to navigate their roles upon exit,” he proudly noted.

When asked what essential qualities young people need to succeed behind the scenes in festivals and event production, Holmes was clear:

“There are multiple critical qualities, but I would like to highlight the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset, being a lifelong learner, the ability to adapt to circumstances, and the will to continuously reinvent yourself.”

In addition to developing behind-the-scenes talent, Fête de la Musique also emphasis preparing emerging artists for the real world of the music business.

“Being a platform for aspiring and emerging artists, it is pivotal to provide talent with the necessary knowledge and skills required to help them navigate the industry after the festival,” Holmes said.

“With FDLM, our intention is to assure career progression as soon as they leave the stage. For instance, our workshop this year is curated with the intent to impart artists with the knowledge required to host their shows, as nowadays it is quite challenging for artists to get gigs.”

As South Africa celebrates its youth this month, Holmes also offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice to all young creatives hoping to break into the industry. “Never give up!”

The 2025 Fête de la Musique line-up features over 20 acts selected from more than 300 applications, chosen by a respected local and international jury.

The full line-up includes: Akeeda, Jabulile Majola, Namhla Badela, Thabiso Thabete, NdumzDJ, Brandon Aura, IDAHUM, KatzTheSingR, Tumi Dibakoane, Tsoness, Afro Moment, Shepard Brothers, Tshepo Molefe, Thando Nkosi and Many More Poetry, KHNYSA, KGZOO, Little Music School in the Valley, and Poet Bass’d Band.

The 2025 Fête de la Musique Johannesburg takes place at Victoria Yards on June 21, 2025.

IOL Entertainment