A standout feature of the programme was Nature’s Language – Birds of the Ancients, a one-day pop-up exhibition that explored birds as symbolic messengers between nature, spirit and humanity.

Hosted at the Loerie Park Tennis Clubhouse, the venue was humming with live painting, artist talks and interactive workshops keeping visitors engaged.

The exhibition showcased a collective of artists – Stanley Donavin Grootboom, Michael Nyoni, Anthony Roach, Siphamandla Mphathi, Siphesihle Mrebi, Xolani Sibiya, Khangelani Ngcwembe and Gatsby Mpoyi – whose works reflect deep connections between people, the natural world and ancestral memory.

Culture, art and history

Grootboom, a respected multidisciplinary artist and cultural historian, has long focused on preserving indigenous heritage. Through painting, installations and recorded oral histories, he documents the cultural memory of Khoi and San communities and rural life across the Garden Route.

“Our ancestors spoke through the land, through the birds and through the rhythms of nature,” he said. “If we lose those stories, we lose part of who we are. My work is about keeping those voices alive.”

Knysna-based sculptor Michael Nyoni, originally from Zimbabwe, also drew attention with his intricately carved animal sculptures, created with tools inherited from his late father. He is now passing on his skills to his 12-year-old son, Njabulo, continuing the artistic legacy through multiple generations.

The exhibition is the first instalment of a planned three-year curatorial series examining the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems and the natural world. From Knysna, it will travel to selected galleries across the region.

Entertainment

On the main stage, festivalgoers were treated to a diverse line-up, including indigenous music pioneer Dizu Plaatjies, chart-topping DJ Prince Kaybee and rising talent Anqobile Teyise. The programme also featured the African Indigenous Renaissance Dance Challenge, riel dancing, an African craft village, traditional food experiences and a children’s edutainment zone.

Beyond entertainment, the festival highlighted emerging artists developed through the African Indigenous Renaissance programme, which aims to empower young people through arts and cultural skills development.

Highlighting human rights

Held on Human Rights Day, the festival underscored themes of identity, heritage and shared humanity.

The Knysna African Arts Festival is presented by Western Cape Arts Festivals, powered by the Ariva Arts Foundation in partnership with Knysna Municipality and supported by various national and provincial arts bodies.

Organisers have hailed the event as the beginning of a new cultural platform for the region – one that places heritage, creativity and community at its core.

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