The 2025 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees proudly presents a spectacular music programme that celebrates the rich tapestry of South African talent. This year’s Toyota Music Festival promises to be a transformative experience, weaving together diverse musical threads that reflect our nation’s cultural vibrancy and creative innovation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Jazz Excellence at the Konserve
The intimate Jazz at the Konserve series showcases South Africa’s finest jazz talent in an outdoor, atmospheric setting that honours the genre’s sophisticated traditions.
Ramon Alexander Quintet: The Throwback Project
With Ramon Alexander (keyboard), Danel Dippenaar (alto saxophone, flute), Joshua America (guitar), Dylan Tabisher (double bass), Annemie Nel (drums).
In this concert, Alexander takes audiences back to where it all began, with a nod to the legendary Stellenbosch-based band of the early 2000s, ESP—a group that helped shape his musical voice. Alongside this nostalgic tribute, this Cape Jazz maestro will also showcase brand-new material from his highly anticipated upcoming album, set for release in 2026.
Cost: R130. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 18 October 2025 | 8.30pm
Where: SU Konservatorium Amphitheatre, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Schalk Joubert Band ft. Sima Mashazi
With Schalk Joubert (bass guitar), Sima Mashazi (voice), Blake Hellaby (keyboard), Kevin Gibson (drums).
Award-winning bassist, composer and producer Schalk Joubert brings his unique blend of jazz and world music to the Woordfees, joined by a powerhouse trio featuring Kevin Gibson on drums, Blake Hellaby on piano, and special guest star Sima Mashazi on vocals. Joubert and Mashazi are a dynamic and in-demand duo who have performed together on stages around the globe.
Cost: R130. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 16 October 2025 | 8.30pm
Where: SU Konservatorium Amphitheatre, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
The Melisizwe Plaatjie Collective
With Melisizwe Plaatjie (piano), Kerwin Albertus (alto saxophone), Henco Bester (tenor saxophone), Nande Mdlambuzi (trombone), Pizzo Magatyana (bass guitar), Stuart Martin (drums), Khanyisile Mbukwana, Athule Tshiwula, Anga Bixa (vocals).
Rising star Melisizwe Plaatjie leads a dynamic ensemble of emerging jazz talent in Pieces of Me, a soulful journey through his life in original compositions. As the selected pianist for the 2021 Artscape Youth Jazz Band, the 2023 National Youth Jazz Band and the award-winning Sun Quintet – winners of the awards for best jazz song and album at the 2024 Mzantsi Jazz Awards, Plaatjie is affirming his place as one of SA’s most promising jazz musicians.
Cost: R130. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2025 | 8.30pm
Where: SU Konservatorium Amphitheatre, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Sathima’s Africa
With Jolyn Phillips (lead voice), Hilton Schilder (piano, indigenous bow), Bronwyn Clacherty (percussion, voice), Shaun Johannes (double bass), Nathan Lawrence (trumpet), Rae Adams (alto saxophone, indigenous bow).
Enjoy a captivating evening celebrating the legacy of South African jazz icon Sathima Bea Benjamin. This special event features live performances by renowned artists, paying tribute to her emotive voice and groundbreaking contributions to jazz. Experience the magic of her music, including classics from her celebrated albums, in honour of her spirit and influence in the world of jazz. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of rhythm, remembrance, and inspiration.
Cost: R180. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 16 and 18 October 2025 | 16th: 8pm | 18th: 4pm
Where: The Daisy Jones Bar, Summerhill Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Open-Air Concert Spectacle
Will Linley
For Will Linley, a career in music was a distant dream. The 20-year-old musician and songwriter, born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, can’t remember a time in his life without music. He grew up singing with his three brothers and his mom, and studied classical singing in high school. His debut single, “Miss Me (When You’re Gone)”, inspired by a real-life experience, has reached viral status. Now he’s a globetrotting sensation and will take the stage at Woordfees for the first time.
Cost: R160. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 15 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Soweto String Quartet
With the Soweto String Quartet (Sandile Khemese, Thami Khemese, Makhosini Mnguni, Themba Mashobane) and ULTRACOUSTIC (Wilken Calitz, Dirkie van Staden)
The Soweto String Quartet and ULTRACOUSTIC join creative forces in a unique and fun instrumental performance. Various genres are on the playlist: Irish dance, kwêla, flamenco, classical favorites, 90s techno and Afrikaans folk tunes.
Cost: R160. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 14 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Roan Ash & Brandon Miles
A South Africa native now based in Nashville, Roan Ash is a Country-rock poet with a sound that crosses boarders whose only true allegiance is to the North Star of lyrical truth. With his emotionally charged songwriting, there’s no formula for success, no secret plan designed to corner a segment of the market. He shares the Woordfees stage with newcomer Brandon Miles who has exploded onto the South African music scene with his country sounds.
Cost: R180. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Early B & Salome
A bilingual rap sensation, Early B has carved out a bold space in the Afrikaans music scene with his irresistibly catchy tracks and razor-sharp wit. He is the master of flow and the king of punchlines. Known for his unique blend of humour, heart, and social insight, his music uplifts, unites and entertains.
Salome is a powerhouse vocalist who captivates audiences with her soulful voice and emotive performances. In May 2025, she sold out the iconic Grand Arena at GrandWest with her acclaimed show This is Me, and is also the presenter of the TV programme, Afhaak.
Cost: R120. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 18 October 2025 | 7.30pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Die Piesangskille
With Daniel Marais, Johan Balt.
Daniel and Johan met at university. They had both come to Potchefstroom to study, but things worked out a little differently. Two friends found each other, discovered their love of making music, and the rest, as they say, is history. Join these two musicians and share in their unique new Afrikaans music sound that wins scores of fans wherever they play.
Cost: R140. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 16 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Mandisi Dyantyis
The dynamic Afro-soul-jazz sensation Mandisi Dyantyis is lighting up the Woordfees stage once again this year, bringing electrifying energy, rich vibes and soul-stirring sounds to the Bos! A multi-award-winning trumpeter and vocalist, Mandisi captivates audiences with his powerful, emotionally charged music and poetic lyrics.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2019 with Somandla, he’s taken the jazz world by storm – his SAMA-winning album Cwaka has racked up over 5 million streams and counting. Expect some surprises from his new album, Intlambululo, due for release in October 2025.
Cost: R200. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 19 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Jan Marais Natuurreservaat, 11 Marais Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
International Flair Meets Local Innovation
The festival welcomes Canadian alt-pop sensation Neon Dreams, the dynamic duo of Frank Kadillac and Adrian Morris, renowned for their energetic performances and unique fusion of pop, rock, electronic dance music, Hip-hop, and reggae. Their hit “Life Without Fantasies” conquered South African hearts, leading to platinum sales and sold-out tours.
Sharing the stage with them is Eastern Cape’s Booshle G from Kariega, whose indie-pop and folk influences shine through honest storytelling in breakthrough tracks like “Take Me Home”, “Find You There”, and “Best Life”.
Cost: R300. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2025 | 8.30pm
Where: The Daisy Jones Bar, Summerhill Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Boundary-Breaking Musical Experiences
Zoid Psalms
Experience a groundbreaking fusion of sacred and modern sounds in Zoid Psalms, a first-of-its-kind production debuting at. Immerse yourself in the powerful blend of an iconic church organ and the electrifying energy of Karen Zoid’s rock guitars. This one-of-a-kind performance is a unique exploration of old-world instrumentation and contemporary music, creating a spiritual and sonic experience like no other. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary musical journey.
Cost: R150. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 18 October 2025 | 8pm
Where: Kruiskerk, Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch
Nomadic Orchestra
With Gabriel du Toit (saxophone, lead vocals), Jono Prest (trumpet, backing vocals), Lilavan Gangen (drums, backing vocals), Matthew Belyeu (electric guitar), Andrew Middelkoop (tuba).
The Nomads are renowned for their infectious high-energy dance music that gets everyone moving. Grab a ticket and join in the fun with the band that gets people out of their seats and dancing all over the world. Whether you are a foot tapper, an energetic jiver, or perhaps just a head nodder, you won’t be able to sit still.
Cost: R220. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 18 October 2025 | 8pm
Where: The Daisy Jones Bar, Summerhill Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Celebrating New South African Voices
New South African Gems, curated by music director Karien de Waal, showcases the most beautiful new songs created over the past seven years for Join Bands Not Gangs, a non-profit organisation, alongside brand-new compositions.
This multilingual celebration features lyrics in Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, and English, with styles ranging from ghoema to classical, bringing fresh musical treasures that are authentically and unmistakably South African. Legendary guitarist Allou April joins this stellar lineup.
Cost: R130. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 19 October 2025 | 2.30pm
Where: Fismer, JS Marais, Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
The Future of Alternative Music
The Taalgenoot-Ruk en Rym Final with Jack Parow presents the climactic battle-of-the-bands style competition for musicians creating alternative music with Afrikaans lyrics. This exciting finale showcases emerging talent across genres, united by their alternative approach to music-making. Hip-hop pioneer Jack Parow serves as guest judge and headlines with a full performance before the winners are announced.
Cost: R250. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12 October 2025 | 1pm
Where: The Daisy Jones Bar, Summerhill Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
The 2025 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees music programme stands as a testament to South Africa’s extraordinary musical landscape, where tradition meets innovation, local talent embraces international collaboration, and every performance promises to create lasting memories.
Website: woordfees.co.za
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 079 256 0398
Facebook: Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees
Instagram: @woordfees
Classical Music at Woordfees
