WAV Festival, the new cultural platform presented by Afro Nation, has unveiled the final phase of its line-up ahead of its debut edition in Cape Town on 2 January 2026.
Building on strong momentum from earlier announcements, the festival has now confirmed the last additions to its inaugural programme, completing a showcase that places the future of R&B, soul and diasporic sound firmly in the spotlight.
Heading this final announcement is special guest Wale, the Grammy-nominated artist renowned for blending hip hop, soul and sharp poetic storytelling. With a catalogue that moves effortlessly across genres, Wale brings a distinctive creative depth to the WAV Festival stage.
Also joining the line-up is rising R&B voice Isaiah Falls. Known for his rich vocal tone and commanding presence, Falls has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting new figures in contemporary soul, reinforcing WAV’s focus on artists shaping the next wave of emotionally driven music.
These final confirmations round out a line-up that already features boundary-pushing and widely loved artists including Mariah the Scientist, special guest Kelvin Momo, Sasha Keable, Shekhinah, Langa Mavuso, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga, Lia Butler, Xowiè, and Strictly Soul Hour featuring Akio and Yandani.
Together, the artists represent a broad spectrum of sounds and perspectives aligned with WAV’s culturally grounded and forward-looking vision.
Designed for a global community of music lovers, cultural explorers and style-led audiences, WAV Festival offers a fully immersive experience set against Cape Town’s iconic natural backdrop. By bringing international and local talent together on one stage, the festival reimagines how music, culture and connection converge on the African continent.
Demand for the debut edition has been overwhelming. Golden Circle tickets are already sold out, with overall ticket sales reaching the 90 percent mark, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the event.
In response to this excitement, Afro Nation will soon introduce the Africa House VIP Upgrade. This limited hospitality experience draws inspiration from Afro Nation’s premium offerings around the world and promises a curated space that blends art, community and high-end comfort in celebration of African creative excellence. Further details will be announced in due course.
More info about WAV Festival
WAV Festival is the result of a collaboration between The Malachite Group and Africa Creative Agency. Drawing on decades of experience in culture, talent development and large-scale events, The Malachite Group is known for global festival concepts such as Afro Nation, staged in Portugal, Miami, Detroit and Ghana. Partnered with Africa Creative Agency’s deep roots in African talent management and cultural strategy, WAV is built on both local insight and global ambition.
WAV Festival takes place on 2 January 2026 at Green Point Track in Cape Town, South Africa. The event is produced by The Malachite Group and Africa Creative Agency.
Tickets are on sale now via the official WAV Festival website. Get them HERE.
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