DNF Green Jazz Festival
Sat Sep 26, 11:00 - Sat Sep 26, 22:00
DNF Waste and Environmental Services Upcycling Centre
ABOUT
KuGompo City (East London) will come alive on Saturday, 26 September 2026, when DNF Waste and Environmental Services presents the DNF Green Jazz Festival & Market 2026 — a unique celebration combining exceptional jazz, art, poetry, creativity and environmental sustainability.
The festival brings together an outstanding programme of established and emerging musicians, a vibrant Green Market, recycling and upcycling workshops, and an exciting art competition.
A STELLAR JAZZ LINE-UP
Headlining the festival is legendary South African jazz musician McCoy Mrubata.
The line-up also features:
- Another Level Jazz / Fusion Band, led by the renowned Cliff Freeman, with Jada Freeman, Mwezi Zazi, Lizanne “Xena” Bradley and Abbey “Kruger” Maqhula
- Retsi Pule and the UFH Jazz Band
- HW Factor, led by Harold Wynkwart, with Jerome Bezuidenhout and Percival Mbonani
- Imonti Jazz Band, with Mzuvukile Sokatsi, Phumlile Mbishe, Jay Missi, Kelvin Mafoshah, Vuyolwethu Vovo Nyangwa
- Urban Connection, led by Aubrey Manuel
- Noise in the Attic, led by Athandile Kula and featuring learners from Hudson Park High School
The programme celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Eastern Cape while creating opportunities for emerging and young musicians.
POETRY, ART AND CREATIVITY
The festival will also feature Pralene Poetry, who has composed a special poem for the DNF Green Jazz Festival and will perform it live at the event.
A major highlight this year is the Upcycle & Recycle Art Competition, under the theme:
DON’T BIN IT. BEGIN IT!
Participants are challenged to transform discarded materials into creative 2D and 3D artworks. The competition is open to Primary School, High School and Open categories. Entries will be judged by the artistic team from Current Consulting Marketing Agency on creativity, originality, craftsmanship and the WOW factor, with winners announced at the Green Market.
Prizes include:
Open: R1,500 | R1,000 | R500
High School: R750 | R500 | R250
Primary School: R300 | R200 | R100
The DNF Green Market will showcase innovative products made from recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into valuable products and new economic opportunities.
Visitors will be able to discover creative products, support local entrepreneurs and see the possibilities of the circular economy in action.
The festival will also host hands-on workshops showing members of the public how to repurpose everyday household items instead of throwing them away.
The message is simple:
Waste is not the end — it can be the beginning of something new.
A FESTIVAL WITH A PURPOSE
The DNF Green Jazz Festival & Market brings together music, environmental awareness, creativity, entrepreneurship and youth development.
It demonstrates that sustainability can be inspiring and enjoyable, while giving artists, entrepreneurs, learners and environmental innovators a platform to showcase their talents.
Bring your camp chairs, umbrellas, cooler boxes and come and enjoy the soothing jazz sounds. Cooler Box charge (R120)
Great food outlets with a vast variety of delicious goodies will also be available at the Green Market.
A kiddies play area and face painting will be available!
The dress code is “Shades of Green” and there will be prizes for the best dressed couple & the best Upcycled outfits.
Please note that most of the venue will be undercover in case of rain.
A definite not to miss festival so book now!!!
Don’t miss out on this spectacular fusion of world-class jazz and extraordinary experiences! Come for the jazz, discover the Green Market, experience the art and poetry, and leave inspired to make a difference.
Tickets available on Quicket