The Free State is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of music, heritage, and unity after the launch of the 2026 Free State Choral, Clap and Tap Festival, an initiative aimed at preserving indigenous musical traditions and creating new opportunities for artists across the province.

The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Programme and Ntho Ya Kasi Entertainment, officially launched the festival at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) on Friday.

The provincial cultural development initiative seeks to promote social cohesion while ensuring that indigenous music traditions continue to thrive among younger generations and communities throughout the province.

Delivering the keynote address, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Zanele Sifuba said the launch comes during a year of significant historical milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

“As we reflect on the heroic spirit of the youth of 1976, 50 years later, we must remain conscious of the enormous impact that choral, clap and tap music has on young people. This is a programme that has historically attracted and touched the lives of many young people,” said Sifuba.

She said the province must continue strengthening youth participation as the programme enters its second year in honour of the courage and resilience demonstrated by the youth of 1976.

Sifuba also noted that last year's report showed that most participants were women, drawing a connection to the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March.

“The dominance of female choral, clap and tap music lovers resonates with the 70th anniversary of the Women's Anti-Pass March that we are celebrating this year. Let us continue to intensify women's participation as we roll out the programme this year,” she said.

Ntho Ya Kasi Entertainment CEO Mbulelo Davis described the festival as a celebration of identity and cultural heritage.

“The Free State Choral, Clap and Tap Festival is a celebration of who we are as a people. It is about preserving cultural traditions that have sustained communities for generations while creating new opportunities for artists to grow, learn, and participate meaningfully in the creative economy,” he said.

He added that the initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships between government, communities, and the creative sector in building a more inclusive and sustainable future for arts and culture in the province.

The festival will be rolled out across all districts of the Free State, including Fezile Dabi, Thabo Mofutsanyana, Lejweleputswa, and Xhariep District Municipalities.