“Food festival that brings culture of lifestyle”

The countdown is officially on as Kota Festival in Jozi prepares to take over the Expo Centre at Nasrec on Saturday, 3 October 2026, bringing together some of South Africa’s biggest music names, food lovers, families and festivalgoers for a full day of entertainment and celebration.

Presented by Goldex Events and freshly powered by Albany Bakeries, the highly anticipated festival is scheduled to run from 10:00 until midnight, promising an action-packed experience that celebrates one of South Africa’s most recognisable street-food creations – the kota – alongside music, entertainment and lifestyle.

With just days to go, excitement is building around what organisers are positioning as a major gathering for Johannesburg’s entertainment and food-loving community.

A STAR-STUDDED MUSIC LINE-UP

One of the biggest attractions of the festival is its extensive line-up, featuring an impressive mix of established stars, DJs, live performers and emerging talent.

Headlining the entertainment offering are Cassper Nyovest and award-winning singer-songwriter Amanda Black, with the line-up also featuring Makhadzi, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Zola 7, Kelvin Momo, Mtee, Nasty C, Blaqbonez, Areece, Young Stunna, Mlindo The Vocalist, Naledi Aphiwe, Master KG, Elaine, Danya, Devs, Feza, Kamo Mphela, Supta, Aymos, Kyotic, Liema, Pantsi and DJ Spokza.

The diverse line-up brings together different sounds from across South Africa’s music landscape, including amapiano, hip-hop, Afro-soul, house and contemporary African music.

For fans, the festival offers the opportunity to experience several major performers on one stage while enjoying the energetic atmosphere associated with large-scale Johannesburg festivals.

SOMIZI AND NAPO MODISE TO HOST

Adding to the entertainment value, the festival will be hosted by two familiar television and entertainment personalities, Somizi and Napo Modise.

Their role as MCs is expected to keep the crowd engaged throughout the day, connecting the various performances and activities while bringing their own personalities and energy to the festival experience.

MORE THAN JUST A KOTA

While music is a major part of the programme, the Kota Festival is ultimately built around food, culture and community.

The kota has become an important part of South Africa’s street-food culture, evolving from a simple local favourite into a food experience that continues to attract attention across generations.

Kota Festival in Jozi provides a platform for this culture to be celebrated on a much larger scale, bringing food and entertainment together in a festival environment.

With Albany Bakeries as the festival’s presenting partner, the event also places the spotlight on the role of bread and bakery products in everyday South African meals and food culture.

A FESTIVAL FOR JOHANNESBURG

Taking place at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, the event is expected to draw festivalgoers from Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

The venue provides organisers with space to accommodate the festival’s large entertainment programme while allowing attendees to enjoy the event throughout the day and into the evening.

With the gates opening at 10:00, guests will have plenty of time to arrive, settle in and experience the festival before the headline performances take centre stage later in the day.

The event is scheduled to continue until 00:00, making it a full-day entertainment experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR FESTIVALGOERS

Organisers have advised attendees to plan their arrival ahead of time.

Event: Kota Festival in Jozi
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Time: 10:00 – 00:00
Venue: Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Presenting partner: Albany Bakeries
Promoter: Goldex Events
MCs: Somizi and Napo Modise

Parking is listed at R100, while the festival poster states that empty cooler boxes are allowed.

Importantly, organisers have indicated that no tickets will be sold at the gate, meaning festivalgoers should secure their tickets in advance. Tickets are advertised through Computicket.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

With only a few days remaining until the festival, Kota Festival in Jozi is shaping up to be one of Johannesburg’s major entertainment gatherings for the weekend.

From kota culture and food to some of the country’s biggest musical acts, the festival brings together several elements of South African popular culture under one roof.

For music lovers, food enthusiasts and festivalgoers looking for a full day of entertainment, 3 October at Nasrec will be a date to watch, as Johannesburg gets ready to celebrate the kota in true festival style.

Kota Festival in Jozi – where food, music, culture and entertainment come together for one major Johannesburg celebration. Follow more on @sabuzzmedia