The Afrodiaspora Connection 2026 has unveiled its first wave of artists, with acclaimed London collective Kokoroko leading a lineup that signals another ambitious chapter for the growing cross continental music exchange platform.
Set to take place across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Eswatini between May and June 2026, the festival continues to position itself as one of the most important collaborative spaces connecting African and diasporic alternative music scenes.
Known globally for their fusion of Afrobeat, highlife and jazz, Kokoroko have become one of the most recognisable acts within the contemporary jazz movement. Their inclusion is expected to be a major draw for audiences, particularly as the group prepares for its Cape Town headline debut while building momentum around a forthcoming album release.
Joining them is Summer Pearl, whose growing international reputation has seen her perform across major festivals and venues throughout Europe and the United States. Her inclusion reinforces the festival’s commitment to showcasing artists pushing the boundaries of jazz, soul and alternative music.
Also announced is Zola Marcelle, whose Zimbabwean roots and London upbringing continue to shape a sound and artistic identity that has steadily gained recognition across international stages and platforms.
Organisers confirmed that more artists will be announced in the coming weeks, building anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of the strongest editions of the project to date.
Now entering its third year, The Afrodiaspora Connection has evolved into a significant cultural exchange initiative curated by The Dig Global and Jazz re:freshed. The programme focuses on building sustainable creative ecosystems between South Africa and the United Kingdom through touring, artist development, education, collaboration and industry knowledge sharing.
“As we step into the third edition of the AfroDiaspora Connection in 2026, we’re deeply grateful for our continued partnership with The Dig and for every artist who has shaped this journey with us,” said Adam Moses.
“This project is more than an exchange; it is a living, evolving bridge between the UK and South Africa, rooted in collaboration, community, and creative freedom. Together, we are building something that not only celebrates our shared musical heritage but actively invests in its future.”
The project has increasingly positioned itself as a model for sustainable international music collaboration, particularly within jazz and alternative music spaces that often struggle for mainstream visibility despite growing global demand.
Supported through the Jazz re:freshed Outernational programme in partnership with the Arts Council England and the Goethe-Institut, the initiative continues to strengthen ties between African and diasporic creative communities while creating new touring and performance opportunities for artists.
The 2026 edition will take place in Cape Town on 23 May and 3 June, in Eswatini on 29 and 30 May, and in Johannesburg on 31 May at the Soweto Equestrian Centre.
