Mbombela — MEC for Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza officially launched the 10th Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience on 07 October at Ndalo Lodge in Mbombela.
This launch has ushered a new chapter of artistic celebration under the fitting theme: ’From Sunrise to Sunset, Celebrating Different Cultures and Talents.’
MEC Mabuza described the occasion as a culmination of dedication and purpose. “This is not just another festival on our cultural calendar. It is a celebration of a decade-long effort, a testament to our long-term vision to develop the arts and creative industry in our province. It also showcases our ability to host successful events that create opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs while promoting the richness of Mpumalanga’s diverse cultural heritage,” she said.
For 10 years, the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience has been more than just a festival. It has been a journey that has grown into one of Mpumalanga’s most anticipated annual events, shining a light on local talent and transforming the province into a vibrant hub of creativity and tourism.
Over the years, the Cultural Xperience has evolved into a melting pot of music, comedy, tradition and sport. It is a platform that tells extraordinary stories of ordinary people through art and has opened doors for emerging musicians, nurtured entrepreneurs and strengthened the bonds of township economies, turning creativity into commerce and culture into connection.
This year the festival promises to raise the bar even higher. Running from 22 November to 07 December 2025, the 10th edition will unfold across Mpumalanga through several signature pillars, each capturing a unique heartbeat of the province.
From the electric Kasi Xperience and laughter-filled Comedy Xperience to the colour-splashed Carnival, the smooth grooves of 013 Summer Blaze, the mellow tones of the Soul Session, the spiritual uplift of the Gospel Music Awards, Traditional Xperience, Choral Xperience and Marathon Xperience every event will tell a different story of who Mpumalanga is.
As part of its ongoing commitment to local talent, the Department has once again championed artists through the Music Creatives Workshop, which this year produced the festival’s vibrant anthem, ’Phuma Langa’. Already streaming on all major platforms, the song has captured hearts nationwide as a bold, rhythmic tribute to Mpumalanga’s spirit of unity and creativity.
To mark this remarkable 10-year milestone, audiences can also look forward to a special documentary premiering on DCSRTV (YouTube) on 31 October 2025. The film will chronicle the journey of the Cultural Xperience from its humble beginnings to its rise as a cultural powerhouse, highlighting the artists, communities, and visionaries who brought it to life.
“The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience belongs to all of us. Let’s use it to celebrate who we are, support our artists, and showcase the warmth and hospitality that define our province,” said MEC Mabuza.
