In a world where culture and community intersect, Other Village People stands as a bold and necessary voice, challenging narratives and reshaping perspectives. Through their multidisciplinary approach, they explore themes of identity, heritage, and belonging, creating work that resonates deeply with those who see themselves reflected in their stories.

As the curators of Queertopia.ZA, a transformative space celebrating queer African futures, they continue to carve out new ways of thinking and being. In this interview, we delve into their creative journey, the inspiration behind their work, and the impact of their ever-evolving practice.

Andiswa Dlamini (AN.D)

1. How do you prepare for a Queertopia.za set focused on inclusivity and queer liberation, and what can we expect this year?

Preparing for Queertopia.za involves curating a lineup and overall experience that celebrates diverse and experimental genres while fostering a sense of joy and community connection. We prioritize queer artists and allies, committed to showcasing the richness of queer identities and expressions.

This year, attendees can look forward to performances by international artists like Ego Ella May (UK), known for her emotive vocals and poetic lyrics, alongside local talents such as Bongeziwe Mabandla, Langa Mavuso, Zoe Modiga, Desire Marea, and Dato Seiko (Botswana), to name a few. The festival will also feature wellness activities by Mindfu(l), a youth-centered mental health organization, a nail bar by Nailed Ntswembu, and other playful activations and food experiences—all set against the historic backdrop of Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg.

2. How has Johannesburg’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife evolved, and how does Queertopia.za contribute to that?

Johannesburg’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife continues to transform, becoming a little more inclusive and diverse with every generation. There are many organizers who are committed to creating queer-cenetred spaces and we are fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate peers. We hope that Queertopia.za can continue to play a role in this by offering a platform that transcends traditional club settings, providing a space for artistic expression and community engagement.

3. How do you curate a set that balances artistic expression and community connection at Queertopia.za?

Curating the Queertopia.za experience is about carefully selecting artists and activities that resonate with our diverse, intergenerational audience while highlighting a broad range of talents. The goal is to create an environment where attendees feel both inspired and celebrated. This balance is achieved by featuring a mix of local and international artists, offering interactive experiences, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. In doing so, we ensure the festival remains not only artistically enriching but also deeply connected to the core idea of community.

4. What does hosting Queertopia.za at Constitution Hill mean to you?

Hosting Queertopia.za at Constitution Hill is profoundly meaningful. This historic site, once a place of oppression, now stands as a symbol of democracy and human rights. By holding the festival here, we honor the journey toward equality and justice, aligning with our mission to provide care-centered and inclusive spaces for the queer communities.

5. In a country like South Africa, where LGBTQIA+ rights are progressing but still face significant obstacles, what role do events like Queertopia.za play in challenging societal norms and fostering change?

Events like Queertopia.za are vital for challenging societal norms and fostering change by providing a visible platform for queer expression and solidarity. It’s about creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can truly be themselves. At Queertopia.za, we strive to normalize and celebrate our differences while always centering our shared humanity. While there is still a long road ahead in terms of queer rights—both on the African continent and globally—we find ourselves in a precarious and often frightening place right now. Yet, through creativity and the act of centering queer communities, we are discovering alternative ways to push for progress, even if it’s in small but meaningful steps.

Kefiloe Siwisa

1. How do you balance art, performance, and wellness in curating Queertopia.za?

Curating Queertopia.za is about thoughtfully weaving together art and wellbeing to create a truly holistic experience. We have always placed care at the heart of everything we do, whether through the zen room, where attendees can take a quiet moment away from the festival to breathe, the care desk offering complimentary items like menstrual products, or through our partnership with Mindfu(l), who ensure that festivalgoers feel safer and supported. We also emphasize communal accountability—encouraging everyone to contribute to making the space as safe as possible, respecting one another, and practicing care and mindfulness. Striking this balance is an ongoing process, and each year we learn more about how to build even more effective, care-centered spaces for our community.

2. How does the theme of Queertopia.za come through in this year’s programming, especially with artists like Bongeziwe Mabandla, Desire Marea and Ego Ella May?

The core theme of Queertopia.za is simple: Be who you are! This is our ongoing mantra and the foundation of everything we do. We are also guided by the idea of creating a space for and by queer communities and allies—one that allows us to imagine and build new possibilities together. This ethos is reflected in every aspect of the programming, from performances that celebrate free expression to the sharing of our unique human experiences. Artists like Bongeziwe Mabandla, whose emotive storytelling connects deeply with audiences, and Desire Marea, whose work delves into identity and transformation, are part of a lineup that truly embodies the festival’s core vision.

3. How do you curate a set that balances artistic expression and community connection at Queertopia.za?

Curating the Queertopia.za experience is about carefully selecting artists and activities that resonate with our diverse, intergenerational audience while highlighting a broad range of talents. The goal is to create an environment where attendees feel both inspired and celebrated. This balance is achieved by featuring a mix of local and international artists, offering interactive experiences, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. In doing so, we ensure the festival remains not only artistically enriching but also deeply connected to the core idea of community.

4. What does hosting Queertopia.za at Constitution Hill mean to you?

Hosting Queertopia.za at Constitution Hill is profoundly meaningful. This historic site, once a place of oppression, now stands as a symbol of democracy and human rights. By holding the festival here, we honor the journey toward equality and justice, aligning with our mission to provide care-centered and inclusive spaces for the queer communities.

5. In a country like South Africa, where LGBTQIA+ rights are progressing but still face significant obstacles, what role do events like Queertopia.za play in challenging societal norms and fostering change?

Events like Queertopia.za are vital for challenging societal norms and fostering change by providing a visible platform for queer expression and solidarity. It’s about creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can truly be themselves. At Queertopia.za, we strive to normalize and celebrate our differences while always centering our shared humanity. While there is still a long road ahead in terms of queer rights—both on the African continent and globally—we find ourselves in a precarious and often frightening place right now. Yet, through creativity and the act of centering queer communities, we are discovering alternative ways to push for progress, even if it’s in small but meaningful steps.