Jesse Clegg and Msaki team up to bring a new music festival to Joburg.
Image: File
A new music festival is making its way to Johannesburg, bringing together some of the country’s biggest names for a one-night event.
The “Scatterlings” music festival is set to take place on August 1, at Huddle Park in Johannesburg.
The festival is shaped by Jesse Clegg and Msaki.
Leading the line-up are artists like Zakes Bantwini, Sjava and Sun-El Musician, alongside Msaki and Clegg, who are also behind the curation of the festival.
The event brings together a mix of sounds and generations, with names like Simmy, MUZI, Beatenberg, Tresor and Zolani Mahola also on the bill.
Rather than positioning itself as just another festival, “Scatterlings” leans into the idea of collaboration.
The line-up reflects that, with artists from different genres and eras sharing the same stage to celebrate South African heritage.
According to Clegg, the intention is to create a space where the audience feels part of what is happening, not just watching from the sidelines.
“On 1 August, Scatterlings Music Festival comes to life as thousands will gather for a one-night-only celebration of music and meaning - where audiences don’t just watch, but become part of the story,” he said.
“It’s about bringing South Africans together again through music that has always connected us.”
That idea carries through the way the festival is being put together, from the mix of artists to the focus on music that already holds meaning for many South Africans.
According to Clegg, the music festival will also celebrate the release of an album made up of reimagined songs from his late father, Johnny Clegg.
"The album will be released later this year", he shared.
The late music icon was known for songs such as “Cruel Crazy Beautiful World” and “Asimbonanga” to list a few.
It also comes at a time when large-scale live events continue to find their footing again, with audiences showing up for experiences that feel more intentional than just a stacked line-up.
“Scatterlings” seems to be tapping into that shift, bringing together familiar names while also introducing newer voices.
“Firstly I wanted to honour this idea that we are all the scatterlings of Africa and this place where a song can give us belonging or it can pull us apart.
"I think a lot of Johnny's music was instrumental in making us see that we're more alike than anything.
“And so even though the artists are different, having this undercurrent where they all get to express their favourite Johnny song, but they get to share the best of their songs and what they've meant to this generation and what they mean to their different audiences,” said Msaki during an interview with Radio 702.
The full line-up includes Sminofu, J’Something and Jabulile Majola, rounding out a programme that moves across Afro-pop, soul, electronic and alternative sounds.