Johannesburg got an exclusive taste of this year’s Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival as media, tourism, business and creative industry leaders gathered at Artistry on 21 July for our official South African launch.
As one of Southern Africa’s leading food, fashion and lifestyle events, the Luju Festival has long celebrated the creativity, innovation and cultural excellence of the region-and South Africa continues to play a defining role in that story. From world-class chefs and visionary designers to iconic musicians, South African talent is strongly represented on this regional creative platform every year.
The launch marked an important milestone in strengthening Luju’s footprint in South Africa by:
Introducing the 2026 festival to key media and industry stakeholders
Showcasing Luju’s growing regional impact and opportunities across the creative economy
Strengthening partnerships that advance market access, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange
Positioning South Africa as a key market for festivalgoers, artists, creatives and tourism partners; and
Building momentum towards an unforgettable 8th edition in Eswatini.
This August, South Africa will once again take centre stage at Luju with an outstanding line-up including Zakes Bantwini, Liquideep, Zola 7, Mandisi Dyantyis, Nasty C, The Masekela Band, Shwi Mantombazane, Thando Zide, Vuyo Viiwe, TMan Xpress, DJ Bob and the Kyle Shepherd x Ahri Trio. Joining them are acclaimed culinary talents Coco & J and Chef Mmabatho, alongside celebrated fashion designer Mzukisi Mbane, founder of Imprint South Africa, who headlines this year’s fashion program
This August, South Africa will once again take centre stage at Luju with an outstanding line-up including Zakes Bantwini, Liquideep, Zola 7, Mandisi Dyantyis, Nasty C, The Masekela Band, Shwi Mantombazane, Thando Zide, Vuyo Viiwe, TMan Xpress, DJ Bob and the Kyle Shepherd x Ahri Trio. Joining them are acclaimed culinary talents Coco & J and Chef Mmabatho, alongside celebrated fashion designer Mzukisi Mbane, founder of Imprint South Africa, who headlines this year’s fashion programme.
A big, heartfelt thank you to Standard Bank for championing platforms like Luju and for its continued commitment to advancing creative entrepreneurship, regional collaboration and meaningful market access across Africa. A special thank you to Coco & J for welcoming us to Artistry for this unforgettable launch event.
The African Future is calling. We’ll see you at House On Fire on 1-2 August 2026.
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