Festival of Lights Welcomes Drumming Artist Esther Maumela
The Festival of Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo has returned with an enchanting mix of light installations, music, and cultural experiences, running until 4 January 2026. Among this year’s highlights is a vibrant lineup of live performances, including a special appearance by African indigenous music artist and drumming teacher Esther Maumela on Wednesday, 17 December.
Maumela, known for her innovative approach to music education, will be sharing her passion for drumming and African rhythms with audiences of all ages during the festival.
The Festival of Lights is much more than a showcase of dazzling illumination. Organizers have curated an immersive experience that combines visual artistry with live music performances, workshops, and cultural storytelling. Each week, visitors can enjoy unique acts that celebrate South Africa’s rich artistic diversity.
This year, the festival has taken special care to highlight local talent, ensuring that performers like Esther Maumela not only entertain but also inspire and educate attendees. Her inclusion emphasizes the festival’s commitment to showcasing indigenous art forms and their significance in modern society.
Festival Workshops Foster Community and Learning
Esther Maumela uses her skills as a drum teacher to create a transformative experience for festival-goers. She believes that music is a tool for healing, self-expression, and cultural identity.
“I work with different institutions, early childhood development, whereby I teach African drums only to change learners’ lives and get them out of their shells,” Maumela explains. “I know music is entertainment, but why not make a difference in someone’s life?”
At the Festival of Lights, she will conduct a special drumming workshop, inviting both children and adults to participate. Through rhythm and movement, attendees will explore African instruments while learning about the cultural significance behind each beat.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Festival of Lights is its interactive workshops. These sessions allow visitors to engage directly with artists like Esther Maumela, transforming the festival from a passive experience into an immersive educational journey.
Maumela’s workshop emphasizes the therapeutic and unifying power of drumming. Attendees can expect to develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence while connecting with their cultural roots. For many participants, this hands-on approach is both enlightening and empowering, leaving a lasting impact beyond the festival.
Indigenous instruments and music have always played a crucial role in shaping South African cultural identity. Esther Maumela highlights the importance of preserving and promoting these art forms through performance and teaching.
“Traditional African instruments tell stories,” she says. “When you play them, you are passing on a history, a rhythm, and a message. Music becomes a language through which people connect to themselves and to their communities.”
By featuring artists like Maumela, the Festival of Lights not only entertains but also educates attendees about the richness of African heritage, ensuring that indigenous music continues to thrive in contemporary spaces.
The Festival of Lights is designed to be inclusive, with activities suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy the mesmerizing light displays, while children and adults alike can participate in interactive sessions, such as Maumela’s drumming workshop.
Her performance and hands-on session encourage participation, fostering creativity and confidence in young learners. The festival creates a platform for attendees to experience indigenous culture in a fun, approachable way, blending entertainment with meaningful engagement.
Festivals like this serve as a bridge between communities, offering opportunities for people to connect through music, art, and shared experiences. Esther Maumela’s involvement underscores the power of cultural festivals to inspire change, foster learning, and celebrate local talent.
Visitors leave the Festival of Lights not only entertained but also enriched, taking home a deeper appreciation for African music, rhythms, and the stories embedded within traditional instruments.
Whether attending for the dazzling light displays or the live performances, festival-goers can expect an immersive experience. With Esther Maumela on the program, participants have the rare chance to interact with a masterful drumming artist, learning about rhythm, culture, and the transformative power of music.
The Festival of Lights continues to highlight South Africa’s diverse creative talent, providing an unforgettable experience that blends visual spectacle with cultural depth. By attending, visitors support local artists while engaging with performances that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Source- EWN
