Phinda Mzala is a collaborative pop-up event space, a series of many amazing artists as a gesture of return to the self, foraging forms from land, to family, to memory, and to the joy of repeating what nourishes us.

Rooted in isiXhosa and isiZulu, “Phinda” means to return, to repeat, while “Mzala” speaks to family, cousin, community. Together, the phrase carries layered meanings: going back for seconds of a good meal, replaying a song that moves the spirit, returning home, and reconnecting with our loved ones and our roots.

The concept pop-up event project was inspired by the iconic South African song “Phinda Mzala (Whispers in the Deep)” by Stimela, echoing themes of homecoming, nostalgia, cultural memory, and a deep longing for belonging. It is both spiritual and physical. A return to indigenous play, shared meals, and collective joy.

Happening just after Christmas, the event carries the spirit of “into emnandi iyaphindwa” – when something is good, we go back for more. It is a celebration of continuity: repeating warmth, love, and connection into the present moment.

This pop-up invites us to repeat what is good: good food, good music, shared laughter, dance, and play. It is about slowing down, gathering together, and remembering that joy is communal.

Through food by Masipheke with Zukisani, music by Sonwa and KayGee, dance, and indigenous games – from diketo/upuca, amapheka to storytelling, and rhythm – Phinda Mzala becomes an embodied experience of culture, sustainability, and togetherness.

Come hungry. Come playful. Come home.

Phinda, mzala, come with us, and let’s all go get nourishment and refill again.

In partnership/sponsored by Inzuzo wines.

DJs on deck: Sonwa, Kay-Gee, and many more.
Food on the day by Masipheke cuisine.

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