Harvard Center for African Studies and Brand South Africa to Host “Amapiano: A Cultural Export of Freedom” with Grammy-Winning Artist Zakes Bantwini
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — [Release date: Apri 27, 2026]
The Sound of Freedom Evolved — Public panel and live performance, Harvard University, 8 May 2026.
CAMBRIDGE, Massachussetts — The Harvard Center for African Studies, in partnership with Brand South Africa, will host “Amapiano: A Cultural Export of Freedom — Panel & Live Performance” on Friday, 8 May 2026. The public gathering convenes leading South African artists and scholars for a conversation on Amapiano’s global rise as a cultural export and a living expression of South African identity, arriving as the country marks 30 years of its Constitution, 50 years since the June 16 Uprising, and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March. A live performance will follow, with tickets sold separately.
“Amapiano has become a global sensation, but it is more than a nightlife soundtrack — it is a living archive of South African creativity, resistance, and joy,” said Dr. Zoe Marks, Faculty Director of the Harvard Center for African Studies. “Bringing artists and scholars into a shared conversation underscores the importance of engaging African cultural expressions in global perspective, and in dialogue with the political and economic histories that shape them.”
“South African culture in particular music has been one of our nation’s most powerful and expressive touch points with the world. Partnering with Harvard to bring Amapiano into a leading global academic setting is a meaningful step in positioning South African creativity as a serious force in international cultural and economic dialogue,” said Jimmy Ranamane, General Manager of Global Markets, Brand South Africa.
Panelists
Zakes Bantwini — Grammy Award–winning Afro-house artist and Harvard alumnus (BEMS, 2025).
Kevin Boakye — Co-Founder, Africa Creative Agency (Tyla, Nasty C, Pearl Thusi); Harvard MBA 2013.
Palesa Nomanzi Shongwe — South African filmmaker and Harvard South Africa Fellow, Harvard CAS.
Witness Matlou — South African jazz pianist and Professor, Berklee College of Music.
Dr. Tinashe Mushakavanhu — Assistant Professor, African & African American Studies, Harvard University.
Event Details
- Friday, 8 May 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM EDT |
- CAS Lounge, 1280 Massachusetts Ave., 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Free and open to the public. RSVP required (seating limited):
- Panel RSVP: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aUVFHWQRRMmbJtk
About the Partners
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, building the nation’s brand reputation and global competitiveness through partnerships across government, business, and civil society. The Harvard Center for African Studies is the focal point for research, teaching, and public engagement on Africa and the African diaspora at Harvard University. Maseme Entertainment, founded in 2020 by Tshepo Malete and Nhlamulo Tlakula, is a Boston-based, South African–founded music and entertainment company building cultural bridges across the African diaspora through immersive, music-led experiences— most recently the AFCON 2026 Watch Party Series in Cambridge, MA, with Sanaa Groove.
Media Enquiries:
Brand South Africa — Jimmy Ranamane, General Manager Global Markets•
jimmyr@brandsouthafrica.com • brandsouthafrica.com
Maseme Entertainment — Nhlamulo Tlakula, Event Organizer • ntlakulasesing@gmail.com
Harvard Center for African Studies (CAS) — Sirak Kurban, Communications & External Relations Officer, Center for African Studies •