The North West’s signature summer celebration is officially back and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever. Under the warm Hartbeespoort Dam sunshine, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation unveiled the 2025 Mahika Mahikeng Music Cultural Festival, setting the tone for a December weekend bursting with music, creativity, and homegrown pride.
Speaking at the launch, Head of Department Itumeleng Mogorosi described the festival as the beating heart of the province’s cultural identity and a fast-growing magnet for tourists and creatives alike.
“We’re proud that last year we saw around 16,000 people come through,” he shared. “With the support of the media and the entire North West, and South Africa at large we would like to grow the numbers.”
This year’s festival, taking place from 12–14 December at Mmabatho Stadium, is shaping up to be a dynamic blend of local flavour and national star power. While big-name performers such Sjava, Kabza Da Small, Uncle Waffles, Kelvin Momo Maglera Doe Boy continue to draw the crowds, Mogorosi emphasised that nurturing homegrown talent remains a top priority.
“Not everyone can make it to the main stage,” he explained with a smile, “but we have plans to ensure our artists shine. We’ll be activating stages across the province, bringing the festival energy closer to the people and making room for more performers to be part of the journey.”
Born in 2015 with the vision of reviving Mahikeng’s once-iconic entertainment scene, the Mahika Mahikeng Festival has evolved into far more than a music event. Today, it’s a cultural movement — one that boosts the local economy, giving a seasonal surge to small businesses, accommodation venues, food vendors, and community entrepreneurs who rely on the festival buzz.
From soulful gospel sets to electrifying hip-hop performances and rich displays of cultural heritage, Mahika Mahikeng continues to position the North West as a powerhouse of artistic expression.
