Durban’s Biggest Braai Weekend Comes Alive at eThekwini Shisanyama Festival
The city of Durban is set to host one of the country’s biggest braai weekends on Saturday, 26 September 2026, as the second annual eThekwini Shisanyama Festival takes centre stage at Berea Rovers, bringing together music, food, culture and local entertainment.
At the heart of the festival is a high-calibre line-up led by award-winning amapiano producer Kelvin Momo, alongside Goldmax, DJ Cndo, Bello B, Chynaman and DJ Happygal. With Mgilane as host, the festival brings together some of the country’s leading music talent for a celebration that reflects Durban’s vibrant cultural and entertainment landscape.
Safety remains a key priority for this year’s festival, with increased security capacity to create a secure environment for everyone attending, with particular attention to the safety and wellbeing of women. The increased measures come at a time when the country continues to confront the devastating reality of violence against women, making safe public spaces an important part of the festival experience.
“We want people to come together, celebrate and create memories without fear. Every person attending deserves to feel safe, respected and protected, and at a time when so many women are living with the reality of violence and fear, we believe creating safer spaces is not simply a responsibility — it is a commitment to the people who trust us to host them,” says festival founder Lunga Mkhize
The festival will also feature an expanded selection of local food vendors, with greater emphasis on catering to different cultural, religious and dietary requirements. Following conversations around the food offering at last year’s event, selected vendors will provide Halal meat, while others will offer pork or beef alternatives. A broader selection of vendors will offer varied food options, ensuring that the culinary experience reflects the diversity of the people attending.
“A shisanyama is fundamentally about community and gathering around food. We listened to what people told us after the first edition and wanted this year’s offering to better reflect the diversity of our audience. Everyone should be able to find something they can enjoy and feel considered,” Mkhize adds.
With weather also a consideration for an outdoor event, organisers are monitoring conditions closely in the lead-up to the festival. Current forecasts indicate a relatively low likelihood of rainfall, although conditions will continue to be monitored as the weekend approaches.
For its second edition, the eThekwini Shisanyama Festival builds on the communal spirit of its inaugural event while placing greater emphasis on safety, inclusivity and the experience of the people who attend.
The eThekwini Shisanyama Festival takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Berea Rovers, 73 Jackson Drive, Durban.
