Phumla Music Set to Headline Phakama Mpumalanga Festival 2025
Afro-pop songstress Phumla Music is celebrating a major milestone. She has been announced as a headliner for the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival 2025, taking place from 1 to 2 November. Phumla will share the stage with artists including Mbuso Khoza, Oscar Mbo, Morda, and Lwa Ndlunkulu, among others.
The 30-year-old award-winning singer told Daily Sun that the recognition feels meaningful. “Honestly, I feel loved by my province. It’s not often that a festival will take a talent that is homegrown and make it a headline based on merit. Usually, local artists are placed at the bottom or end of the lineup,” she said. Phumla expressed pride in being acknowledged alongside other notable performers.
The festival celebrates heritage, fashion, creativity, and tourism in Mpumalanga. For Phumla, it is also an opportunity to showcase her Swazi roots. “Most artists from KZN rarely sing in English while incorporating their language and culture. For Siswati-speaking artists, embracing culture in music is uncommon. I want to bring a voice that represents Siswati culture, to balance and grow the local entertainment industry,” she explained.
Phakama Mpumalanga Festival founder Twain Ngwenya highlighted the festival’s growth. “Now in its third year, the festival has established itself as the province’s premier music, art, and lifestyle event. The 2025 edition introduces a first-ever camping experience, creating a full weekend of culture and entertainment,” he said.
Ngwenya emphasized the festival’s broader goal. “Phakama was born from the belief that Mpumalanga deserves a world-class cultural showcase. It should entertain, empower local creatives, celebrate heritage, and attract tourism. We are building more than a festival; we are creating an institution to put Mpumalanga on the cultural map of South Africa and the world.”
Phumla Music’s headlining role at Phakama Mpumalanga Festival 2025 signals recognition of her talent and contribution to South African music, while celebrating her identity and the province’s rich culture.
