By Teboho Moloi
FICKSBURG– Jazz enthusiasts and loyal supporters of Setsoto FM are left disappointed after the cancellation of this year’s much-anticipated annual jazz festival.
Broadcasting from Ficksburg and covering Marquard, Senekal, Clocolan, nearby towns, and parts of Lesotho, Setsoto FM has hosted the festival successfully since 2014.
Over the years, it grew into a marquee event, attracting top South African jazz artists, talented performers from Lesotho, and rising local musicians who showcased their craft on its stage.
Station manager Thabiso Sibiya announced with regret that the 12th annual Setsoto FM Jazz Festival, scheduled for Saturday, 4 October 2025, would not take place.
“This was a difficult decision, but one forced upon us by unforeseen circumstances beyond our control,” Sibiya said. He declined to elaborate further on the reasons for the cancellation.
The festival, he noted, was more than a music event. It created job opportunities, offered a platform for both emerging and established artists, and boosted business for local vendors.
“Our festival played a significant role in stimulating the local economy. Guesthouses saw increased bookings, retail stores enjoyed higher foot traffic, and fuel stations were buzzing with activity,” he explained.
Sibiya reassured the public that the station has already begun refunding ticket holders. Looking ahead, Setsoto FM organisers confirmed that the festival will return next year.
“On behalf of the station, I extend our sincerest apologies to the talented artists who had prepared to perform, our dedicated sponsors, and everyone who had planned to attend,” he said.
For over a decade, the Setsoto FM Jazz Festival has been a cornerstone of cultural life in the Free State, bringing communities together to celebrate music, creativity, and local talent.
Its cancellation this year leaves a void for both artists and audiences, but organisers promise that the event will come back stronger in 2026.
