Rosefest 2025 marked a vibrant celebration of women’s empowerment and artistry in South Africa’s music scene. Founded and curated by singer-songwriter Shekhinah, this unique festival has become a beloved annual event. An event dedicated to uplifting women through music, community, and safe spaces. Held at the scenic Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort on 9 August… Rosefest brought together a diverse line-up of female performers and provided an unforgettable experience. An experience centred on female creativity, strength, and solidarity.
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The Vision Behind Rosefest
Shekhinah created Rosefest in 2019 to address the inequalities women face in the music industry. More than just a festival, it is a platform to showcase female talent, empower women, and foster a sense of sisterhood. The festival also actively addresses important social issues. Issues such as gender-based violence and mental health through conversations and partnerships with organisations like Lifeline South Africa.
With the return of Rosefest in 2025, the event built on this foundation, blending powerful live performances with community engagement and awareness.
Rosefest: A Safe, Women-First Space
Understanding South Africa’s challenges with gender-based violence, Shekhinah prioritised safety at Rosefest. The event featured robust security measures and offered a free shuttle service from an overflow parking area about 1.6 kilometres away to ensure attendees’ comfort and peace of mind.
This emphasis on safety created a welcoming space where women could freely celebrate, connect, and enjoy the festival without fear, an experience that resonated deeply with the audience.
Music Festival: A Dynamic Lineup Celebrating Female Artistry
Rosefest showcased a broad range of genres, ensuring there was something for every music lover. The line-up included standout performances by artists such as Zoë Modiga, Zee Nxumalo, Elaine, and Shekhinah herself.
From soulful jazz and smooth R&B to vibrant house, hip hop, and Amapiano. The festival reflected the diversity and richness of South African female music makers. Elaine’s sunset performance was especially memorable, adding a magical touch to the festival’s atmosphere.
Shekhinah’s own set, performed under the glow of a full moon, created an intimate and memorable finale for a day filled with music and empowerment.
More Than Music: Celebrating Womanhood Through Experiences
Beyond music, Rosefest offered free activities to engage attendees in creative and social ways. Highlights included face painting, a photo booth offering printouts as keepsakes, a crinkled paper rose garden installation inspired by Shekhinah’s album Trouble in Paradise, and a popular sip-and-paint session.
Festival-goers also had the chance to listen to Shekhinah’s then-new album Less Trouble in a specially designed listening booth, reminiscent of an old-school music store… Offering an immersive experience ahead of the album’s wider release.
Social Impact and Community Engagement
Rosefest is committed to making a positive social impact. Through partnerships with organisations such as Lifeline South Africa and inclusion of social justice dialogues moderated by activists like Ashanti Kunene, the festival encourages discussions on mental health, gender-based violence, and breaking down toxic societal attitudes.
These efforts transform Rosefest into more than a music event, it is a movement towards awareness, healing, and empowerment.
The Festival Atmosphere
Held in the beautiful botanical gardens, the setting amplified Rosefest’s spirit of growth and renewal. The atmosphere was one of joy, solidarity, and creative inspiration where women supported and celebrated each other.
The event successfully dispelled myths about female competition, instead reinforcing unity and mutual upliftment, qualities that echoed throughout the day’s music and activities.
About Shekhinah
Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, known simply as Shekhinah, is a celebrated South African pop and R&B singer-songwriter born in Durban in 1994. She first gained national recognition as a contestant on the 7th and 8th seasons of South Africa’s Idols TV show, reaching the Top 6 in season 8. Shekhinah holds a Live Performance degree from AFDA and has established herself as one of South Africa’s leading music artists. Her debut album Rose Gold went multi-platinum, featuring hit singles like “Suited,” and she has won multiple awards, including an MTV Africa Music Award. Known for her soulful voice and empowering messages… Shekhinah uses her platform to uplift women and address social issues through her music and initiatives like Rosefest.
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Rosefest’s Growing Legacy
Rosefest’s success in 2025 reinforces Shekhinah’s vision of a festival that champions women, promotes safe public spaces, and raises awareness of critical social challenges. It encourages artists, attendees, and communities to continue supporting female empowerment both on and off the stage.
As Rosefest looks to future editions, its impact on South African music and society is set to deepen, inspiring greater inclusion and equality.
