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EMBO festival to celebrate Winnie Madikizela-Mandela through music, culture and debate

EMBO festival to celebrate Winnie Madikizela-Mandela through music, culture and debate

TimesLIVE04-06-2025
Soweto is about to come alive with the rhythms of resistance and the power of voice as the City of Johannesburg prepares to host the EMBO Festival, a two-day celebration honouring the legacy of one of South Africa's most iconic freedom fighters — Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Taking place on June 7 at the Soweto Theatre, this festival is more than just a cultural event: it's a bold reimagining of how history can be remembered, retold and reclaimed. This year's theme places Madikizela-Mandela's Xhosa heritage and fearless activism at the centre of a powerful programme that fuses debate, live music and historical reflection.
The event will feature artists such as Medudutsane Basadi, Lungiswa Plaatjies and Mr Vee Sholo .
EMBO, meaning 'origin' or 'source,' is a project with a purpose: to move the stories of African heroes from the margins into the heart of public consciousness. Through an Afrocentric lens, the festival aims to unearth histories that have been overshadowed by colonial narratives, presenting them in vibrant and meaningful ways to a new generation.
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