On Saturday 5 December 2026, Le Xhosa Nostra’s Inaugural Festival Umcimbi waseRhawutini, gears to open the festive season at River Cabin in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Xhosas are known to live loud and every occasion for them is a reason to celebrate. From Umgidi (homecoming) season to the spectacular ‘Umbhinqiso Wezibazana’ that sets it off. In December, that energy gets a stage of its own.
Presented by Buchule Jack – founder of Le Xhosa Nostra and produced by Brightfire Experiences, Le Xhosa Nostra Festival: Umcimbi WaseRhawutini is a lifestyle festival where culture meets music, fashion meets flavour and good people come together for one unforgettable celebration. It marks the start of the festive season.
Le Xhosa Nostra began as a cultural movement, with Xhosa people from the Cape working in Gauteng gathering simply to share a good time. It has grown into a lifestyle experience that welcomes people from all walks of life to indulge their inner Xhosa alter-ego. Now the movement hosts its first-ever festival, bringing the food, music, fashion and customs of the Eastern Cape to River Cabin, north of Johannesburg.
The invitation to Joburgers is simple: Come for the culture. Stay for the music. Dress for the moment. Make memories.
“Umcimbi waseRhawutini sends one invitation to all of Mzansi. For one day, we are turning Gauteng into an Eastern Cape homestead. Everyone is invited, and everyone gets to experience the Xhosa-ex factor”, says Jack Devero, Founder of Le Xhosa Nostra.
Festival attendees don’t have to be Xhosa to join in, by purchasing an entry ticket via Howler platform they can step through the gates into the vibrant heart of the festival, Ekhayeni (the homestead), enjoy entertainment by an impressive list of Mzansi’s finest artists (line-up to be announced), get a taste of the Eastern Cape; the flavours of home, served up in style and prepared in ebuhlanti ‘a kraal-inspired’ braai area that turns the meal into part of the show.
Since this is an event where the dress code matters, guests are encouraged to add a twist to their traditional attire with a hint of signature beads regalia. Once you have a ticket at hand, you will be all set to join Umcimbi wase Rhawutini.
Save the date, and don’t lose your invite to Le Xhosa Nostra Umcimbi Wase Rhawutini. Tickets are available now at Howler – https://lexhosa.howler.co.za/events/lexhosa-nostra-fest-2026-a8a6 .
