After five sold-out festival editions in Richmond, Virginia, the internationally acclaimed RESONATE Podcast Festival is coming to Africa for the very first time.
Presented in partnership with youth audio organisation Radio Workshop, the two-day gathering will bring its celebration of audio storytelling, journalism, and creative podcasting to Cape Town in February 2027.
Curated by RESONATE founder Chioke I’Anson at the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the festival bridges African creative talent with the global audio ecosystem for two days of deep-dive masterclasses, panels, and live pitch sessions.
Global Heavyweights & Local Innovators Head to Mzansi
The initial speaker lineup brings together some of the world’s most influential audio producers, journalists, podcasters, and multidisciplinary creators:
- Emmanuel Akinwotu: West Africa correspondent at The New York Times.
- Emanuele Berry: Executive Editor at This American Life.
- Yolanda Sangweni: Vice President of Culture Programming at NPR.
- Joe Richman: Founder and Executive Producer of Radio Diaries.
- Kaitlin Prest: Creator and host of acclaimed audio show The Heart.
- Nichole Hill: Creator and host of Our Ancestors Were Messy.
- Julie Shapiro: Renowned executive producer and leader in independent audio production.
- Emmanuel Dzotsi: Producer at This American Life.
- Rokhaya Diallo: French journalist, author, and filmmaker.
- Lesego Tlhabi: South African comedian, satirist, and writer behind Coconut Kelz.
- Zara Julius: Johannesburg-based transdisciplinary artist and creative researcher.
Pitch Party: $10,000 Up for Grabs for Audio Pilots
A major highlight of the programme is the Pitch Party, a live competition spotlighting independent creators shaping the future of non-fiction audio storytelling.
Eligible independent producers can submit original concepts for the chance to win US$10,000 (approx. R180,000) to produce a pilot episode. Three selected finalists will pitch their ideas live on stage before an expert industry panel and festival audience. Finalists will also receive professional mentorship to refine their pitch and complimentary passes to the 2027 RESONATE Podcast Festival in Richmond, Virginia.
A Cultural Hub in District Six
RESONATE Cape Town will take place at the Homecoming Centre, a cultural precinct featuring two theater spaces in historic District Six.
The festival dates coincide with the 2027 Investec Cape Town Art Fair at the nearby Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), giving visitors and delegates a multi-sensory weekend of contemporary visual arts and audio culture in the Mother City.
For programme updates, Pitch Party entries, and early-bird ticket access, visit resonatecapetown.org.