[Japan Premiere] Symposium by South African Photography & Music Artists and Concert by Grammy Award-Winning Album Artist at the Modern Underground Hall of Higashi Honganji — One of the World's Largest Wooden Structures — on Sunday, April 19!

Msaki × Tubatsi © Kgomotso Neto

KYOTOPHONIE (a general incorporated association based in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto) will present a special program focused on South African culture and music on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Higashi Honganji Temple — one of the world's largest wooden structures.

This program responds to the shared theme "EDGE" of the concurrent "KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photo Festival 2026," presenting the Japan premiere of South Africa's treasure duo "Msaki × Tubatsi" in the historic temple's underground space. On the same day, a free symposium welcoming Siyabonga Mandela and others will be held to convey a multifaceted view of contemporary South Africa. The event offers a new artistic experience that crosses national and genre boundaries to bring harmony to a divided world.

Ticket purchase: https://kp-msaki-tubatsi.peatix.com/

Buy Tickets Here

Background

In contemporary society, the boundaries of music and art have become rigid, and genuine cross-cultural exchange has declined — a recognized challenge in the industry. KYOTOPHONIE aims to bridge cultural divides and connect Kyoto with the world by encouraging creative experimentation that transcends conventional genres, venues, and formats. In 2026, responding to the theme "EDGE" of sister event KYOTOGRAPHIE, the organization expands beyond photography into the realm of sound and performance, challenging itself to create a borderless musical experience that brings harmony to a fragmented world.

This year, South Africa is a central focus. KYOTOGRAPHIE and KYOTOPHONIE co-founders and co-directors Lucille Reyboz and Yusuke Nakanishi visited South Africa in the summer of 2025, where they felt the dynamic urban development and the historical undercurrents within it — leading them to spotlight South Africa this year as one focal point of the "EDGE" theme.

Symposium "South Africa In Focus" — Sunday, April 19

A symposium delving deeply into the current state of South Africa and its expressions of art will be held at the Higashi Honganji Audiovisual Hall (starting at 1:30 PM).

Based on the KYOTOGRAPHIE theme "EDGE," a panel discussion will be held exploring art, history, and global topics through the perspectives of four artists living in South Africa today. It is a rare opportunity to hear leading voices from South Africa unpacking the realities of the post-apartheid era. Panelists include peace and human rights activist Siyabonga Mandela, photographers Lebohang Hanyane and Pieter Hugo, curator Sean O'Toole, and musician Msaki, moderated by journalist Jillian Wulff.

Admission is free (advance registration required).