Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
SOUTH Africa-based, award-winning hip-hop artiste Mlue Jay is set to bring a long-held vision to life when the inaugural YeahWeLink Music Festival and Industry Workshop 2026 takes centre stage at The Bridge Creative Hub in Maboneng, Johannesburg, on August 1.
Organised through the YeahWeLit Development Project and powered by CAPASSO (The Mechanical Rights Hub), the festival is designed to equip independent musicians with vital music business skills while providing a platform to showcase their talent.
Blending industry education with live entertainment, the event seeks to connect emerging artistes with established players, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and career development.
The daytime workshop will cover key areas of the music business, including music distribution, publishing and royalties, artiste development, branding, marketing, media engagement, content creation and sustainable career growth.
Participants will gain insights from an experienced panel featuring Rashid Kay, Lady K, Chealex Mpanza, Illy The Host, Lerato Zwane, Chik Aloy, Eatzz, Joyful and Neo Mkatini, with Nyeleti The Star facilitating the sessions.
As evening falls, the venue will transform into a live music arena, showcasing a diverse line-up of established and emerging artistes from South Africa and Zimbabwe. The performers include Sastii, Flash Ikumkani, Jepedoh, Mlue Jay, Champuru Makhenzo, Kikie Kandy, Uncle D, Static Flo, Wassup Fantasy, Bantu Knots, A-Lister, Curfew 630, Benate, Uncle Shwii, Kea 014, Yungkid Dreezy and Big Slim.
Also billed to perform are Floppy X, Zanah, O’Clock, Symon, Major Keys, Melanin Dripp, Grey Hlobani, Priest De Beast, Kid Sauce, Mbuzi ATM, Blaqsta, OCD Grenade and Jabby Jabz, while Young Makitaza will serve as programme director.
Festival director Mlue Jay said the event was inspired by a long-standing dream that only became possible after securing financial backing.
“The idea has always been there, but we lacked funding to bring it to life. After Riky Rick’s Cotton Fest ended, I kept thinking about creating a platform that would continue opening doors for independent artistes. When I pitched the concept to CAPASSO, they immediately believed in it, and that’s how YeahWeLink became a reality,” he said.
Mlue Jay said the festival also reflects his vision of celebrating African talent by bringing South African and Zimbabwean creatives together.
“CAPASSO believes in African music and, as someone originally from Zimbabwe, I wanted to include artistes from back home to help bring this vision to life.
“I believe that, as Africans, we are one people. I want this festival to become a platform that promotes peace, unity and collaboration among African artistes.”
The Sinda hit-maker said preparations are in the final stages, with public interest already exceeding expectations.
“Preparations are going well, and we are now putting the final touches together. I was expecting around 150 people, but we have already received more than 200 RSVPs, so the response has been encouraging. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone and hopefully making this an annual event.”
Beyond the performances, the inaugural YeahWeLink Music Festival aims to strengthen Africa’s independent music ecosystem by empowering artistes with industry knowledge, fostering collaboration and creating pathways towards sustainable careers.
