By: JN Reporter

After years of being sidelined and playing second fiddle to more prominent headliners on their home turf, Free State artists are finally stepping into the spotlight at this year’s highly anticipated Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE).

Last month, Journal News published a story titled FS Festivals Overlook Local Artists, where local performers raised concerns about being excluded from the festival and called for 90% representation at the annual event.

They described MACUFE as a platform rooted in community pride and cultural celebration - one meant to showcase local talent in music, art, and culture.

Now, their cries have finally been heard through the Journal News.

The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) has announced that 67% of the artists featured in this year’s main MACUFE programmes will be from the Free State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, departmental spokesperson Tankiso Zola confirmed that of the 57 artists booked for MACUFE’s three flagship programmes, 38 are local artists, which is 67% of the artists lined up for the mega festival.

“When considering all 2025 MACUFE platforms - 121 out of 140 artists - an impressive 86% are Free State-based,” Zola said.

He highlighted that this development follows a commitment made by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC Zanele Sifuba during the official MACUFE launch.

Sifuba emphasised that the festival would now prioritise the development of local talent.

“Our resolve to ensure artistic development in the Free State is a matter of principle, and this growth will continue on an upward trajectory,” said Sifuba, adding that “this level of participation by our local artists across district and provincial arts and culture programmes is a testament to our commitment to creating platforms for artistic expression, showcasing talent, and enabling Free State artists to earn a living.”

MACUFE is officially scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 September 2025.