CottonFest music festival ends: organisers announce closure amid disagreements
The festival was created as a platform to unite youth culture, heavily influenced by Riky Rick's 2016 hit single "Sidlukotini", which translates to "we are eating cotton" (slang for wearing high-end fashion).
Image: File.
CottonFest, the popular music festival that brought together some of South Africa's best creatives has announced that it will no longer continue.
The festival, which started as a dream of the iconic rapper Riky Rick, was created to celebrate music, street culture and the talented artists in the industry.
Throughout its 7-year run, CottonFest attracted many fans and artists, becoming a firm favourite on the South African calendar.
According to a statement, the decision comes after a series of disagreements among the current shareholders about the festival's direction.
Bianca Naidoo, who is both Riky's widow and a key organiser of CottonFest, shared that these differences have made it difficult to maintain the festival's original spirit and purpose, which was to create a platform for young talent.
"CottonFest has always been rooted in creativity, community and cultural celebration focused on creating a platform for the youth to shine," said Naidoo.
She added: "While we remain extremely proud of what the festival has achieved and are deeply grateful for the support it has received from our fans, partners and the artists over the years, the differences in festival’s vision and purpose among the two parties has made it clear to our family and the team, that concluding this chapter is the most realistic path forward."
CottonFest brought together musicians and fans to enjoy the best of South African music genres like hip hop, house and Amapiano, while also celebrating fashion, food and art.
Through the festival, the late rapper aimed to uplift local talent and create a space where young people could express themselves and thrive.
Although the festival will not continue under its existing structure, the Creative Programme, launched in 2025, will continue to build on the initiatives it has already achieved in creating different opportunities for young talent throughout the year.
"The team remains optimistic about future plans with a deeper support for creative expression in new and meaningful ways for the youth to be celebrated," said Naidoo.
Current ticket holders for the 2026 edition can request a full refund from Webtickets (under their self-help process) from December 9.