Inside Queertopia 2026: founders Andiswa Dlamini and Kefiloe Siwisa on scaling the joy

“Queertopia has grown into a major Johannesburg-based festival,” said founders Andiswa Dlamini and Kefiloe Siwisa.

“It began from something simple, yet deeply felt: queer communities deserve more spaces where we don’t have to shrink ourselves or be overly apologetic about who we are.” 

What started as a vision to create safe, care-centred, joyful spaces has evolved into a festival that champions both celebration and community.

“The 2026 edition truly leans into that evolution,” they explained.

“We’ve expanded wellness spaces like the Zen Room and extended our Care Desk services to ensure attendees feel supported throughout the festival.”

Beyond music, Queertopia embraces visual arts, film, performance and interactive installations, offering attendees multiple ways to engage, rest and connect.

“We want the festival to reflect the multidimensionality of queer life,” the founders said. “It is about dancing, thinking, learning and simply being.”

The line-up this year is more adventurous. South African favourites such as Zamajobe, Buhlebendalo, Manana, UmZulu Phaqa and Thando Nje share the stage with international artists TheARTI$T and wordsofAzia. 

“Curating the line-up is deeply personal,” Dlamini noted.

“It is about collaborating with artists who embody the values of Queertopia - those who advance dignity, visibility and joy through their work.”

Siwisa added, “We centre local talent first while inviting international artists to spark dialogue and collaboration. The goal is a line-up that surprises, reflects and introduces audiences to artists they didn’t know that they needed.”

Organising such an ambitious festival comes with challenges.

“One of the biggest is growing without losing the heart of Queertopia,” Dlamini said. “Safety, care and community connection remain central. This year, through our partnership with Jägermeister’s Save the Night initiative, we introduce the SafeNow app to further strengthen safety measures.”

Siwisa added, “We want people to feel held on the dance floor, in workshops and throughout the festival. That work may be invisible, but it is everything.”

The festival’s multidimensional approach reflects its broader mission. “Not everyone connects in the same way,” said Dlamini.

“Music is powerful, but so is seeing a film that tells your story or finding a quiet moment to breathe. We want Queertopia to be a full experience - immersive, layered and transformative.”

For emerging queer creatives, the festival provides vital access and visibility.

“Talent is abundant, but platforms are limited,” Siwisa noted. “If someone leaves Queertopia seen, affirmed and connected, we’ve done our job. We want our community to uplift each other from start to finish.”

Looking ahead, the founders see Queertopia shaping the African festival culture.

“There is a hunger for spaces that are authentic, affirming and bold,” Dlamini said. “Queertopia can demonstrate that queer-led platforms are central to cultural conversation, to joy and to social change.

"We are building bridges across the continent while staying rooted in the values that made the festival possible.”

Returning to Constitution Hill from February 28 to March 1, Queertopia promises a festival that is at once musical, artistic and communal.