5 Artists Performing at Innibos Kunstefees 2024

The Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees (Lowveld National Arts Festival) is set to take place at the Innibos Feesterrein in Mbombela (Nelspruit) from 27 to 29 June 2024. This year’s event will once again bring together some of South Africa’s best playwrights, performers, writers, and musicians, offering up a feast of cultural activities.

We’ve listed the five most exciting musical acts set to perform at this year’s event. Read on to learn more about Innibos and the 2024 musical lineup.

What is Innibos?

The first Innibos festival took place in 2003 and has now gone on to become South Africa’s most popular festival. It encompasses theatre, literature, cabaret, dance, and music, representing one of the biggest cultural gatherings in the country.

It also hosts numerous food and arts and craft stalls, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy an artsy weekend full of local talent and genuine South African cuisine. Innibos caters to visitors of all ages, with plenty of stuff for the kids to do, as well.

Theatre productions – featuring some of the country’s best talent – take place at various venues in Mbombela, including the Mbombela City Theatre and several high schools. Meanwhile, at the festival grounds, four separate concerts invite attendees to jam out to a wide range of genres.

Let’s take a look at five headline acts at Innibos 2024.

Early B

Earl Swartz, better known as Early B, is one of South Africa’s hottest Afrikaans rap artists. He burst onto the scene in 2012 and has gone on to collaborate with renowned musicians like Emo Adams, Majozi, and Pierre Roussow. However, his unique flavour comes from his down-to-earth approach to his work.

Many of his music videos are self-produced and self-promoted, but that hasn’t stopped them from capturing the hearts of hip-hop fans across the country. In fact, he has a diploma in Film and Television Production and has even performed in stage productions at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

Early B will take to the stage at the Huisgenoot Afskopkonsert on 27 June.

Francois Van Coke

Best known as the frontman of Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Cartel, Francois Van Coke is a legend of the South African rock scene. He’s since gone on to have a successful solo career, including the hugely popular collaboration album with Karen Zoid, Toe Vind Ek Jou.

With Fokofpolisiekar, Van Coke challenged the mainstream Afrikaans music scene’s status quo and pioneered alternative music, especially among younger people. Yet, despite his level of infamy among some South Africans, he remains one of the biggest artists in the country.

Francois Van Coke will perform at the Jacaranda FM Konsert on 28 June.

Mzansi Youth Choir

You might remember the Mzansi Youth Choir from its spectacular 2023 Golden Buzzer-worthy performance during season 18 of America’s Got Talent. It was just the second time the audience used the Golden Buzzer, voting to send the group directly to the show’s finale.

The young singers performed It’s Ok by Nightbride, who passed away from cancer during season 16 of the show. She had been the first act to ever receive the Golden Buzzer, but withdrew as a result of her failing health.

This incredible gesture was heard all around the world, transforming the choir into a beloved overnight sensation. Although it ultimately placed outside of the top five, the group has gone on to perform with artists like Beyoncé, Andrea Bocelli, and Shakira.

The Mzansi Youth Choir will perform at the kykNET Konsert on 29 June.

Karlien van Jaarsveld

Karlien van Jaarsveld came to public attention after featuring on her brother Bobby’s first album. However, she wasn’t satisfied with living in his shadow. Instead, she’s gone on to become one of South Africa’s most popular Afrikaans pop artists in her own right, having released five studio albums since 2010.

In 2014, she won the South African Music Award for Best Pop Album in Afrikaans, adding to several Ghoema Music Awards and a Huisgenoot Tempo Award. Since then, she’s tried her hand at acting, too, and even won season eight of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

Karlien will take to the stage at the kykNET Konsert on 29 June.

Die Heuwels Fantasties

Like Fokofpolisiekar, Die Heuwels Fantasties exists to challenge the traditional perception of Afrikaans music, bringing Afrikaans alternative rock to a wider audience. In fact, it was co-founded by FPS drummer Hunter Kennedy, and its first album featured contributions from Francois Van Coke.

The band has been incredibly prolific, releasing eight studio albums and four EPs between 2008 and 2022. Its self-titled first album won the South African Music Award for Best Alternative Album in Afrikaans in 2010, cementing the band’s place in the local rock scene. It’s no wonder, then, that its energetic performances continue to draw huge crowds.

Die Heuwels Fantasties will perform at the Alternatief @Innibos kykNet-Verhoog on 29 June.

Innibos is a great opportunity to enjoy a culture-filled weekend away in Mpumalanga. So, why not turn it into a road trip? Chat to one of our expert consultants today to explore our wide range of vehicles for hire in South Africa.