In South Africa, music is often a reflection of societal heartbeat and reggae is an understated yet powerful cultural force in the country. Fikile Shiba Makhalemele, founder of Lioness Productions, is at the forefront of reviving this genre, channeling its potential for community building and social transformation. Through innovative events like the Catch A Fire International Reggae Festival, Makhalemele is ensuring reggae resonates beyond its roots, reimagining it as a tool for empowerment and unity in post-apartheid South Africa.
Makhalemele’s connection to reggae was deeply personal, inspired by the Rastafarian ethos of resilience, spirituality, and justice. A reggae promoter for over a decade, her efforts culminated in the annual Catch A Fire Festival, now regarded as a cornerstone of the South African reggae scene. This festival not only draws international icons like Pressure Busspipe and Dynamq but also provides a critical platform for local artists to showcase their talent on a global stage.
For Makhalemele, reggae is more than music; it is a living, breathing movement. “Reggae speaks to the soul of South Africans,” she explains, pointing to the genre’s historical role in protesting social injustices and its enduring relevance in advocating for equality and freedom. Through Lioness Productions, Makhalemele has also launched initiatives to mentor young reggae artists, blending music with grassroots activism.
Her focus extends beyond entertainment. Recognizing reggae’s roots in cultural consciousness, Makhalemele integrates workshops, youth programs, and outreach efforts into her events. These initiatives aim to reconnect South Africans with their African and Rastafarian heritage, fostering pride and identity in communities often marginalized by mainstream narratives.
One of her most celebrated achievements is ensuring the financial sustainability of reggae in South Africa. By bridging the gap between grassroots musicians and commercial opportunities, she has created a viable ecosystem where artists can thrive. “Reggae is about freedom,” she asserts, “and that includes financial independence for our creators”.
The 2024 edition of the Catch A Fire Festival, held at Soweto Theatre, embodied her vision. It featured a mix of live performances, dancehall, dub, and Afro-fusion alongside poetry, street art, and fashion. The festival drew thousands, reaffirming South Africa’s position as a rising reggae hub in Africa. Importantly, it coincided with celebrations of the country’s three decades of freedom, further intertwining reggae with the nation’s democratic journey.
Makhalemele’s contributions also highlight the gender dynamics within reggae, a space historically dominated by male voices. As a female leader, she challenges stereotypes, using her position to spotlight women in reggae and create more inclusive opportunities. “Women have always been integral to reggae,” she notes, “but now, we’re taking center stage”.
Her work has not been without challenges. The commercialization of Afrobeat and Amapiano often overshadows reggae, relegating it to niche status. However, Makhalemele views this competition as an opportunity to innovate. By collaborating with artists across genres, she is diversifying reggae’s appeal while maintaining its core message of resistance and love.
Looking ahead, Makhalemele envisions reggae as a unifying force across Africa. She plans to expand her festival to other countries, creating a Pan-African reggae circuit that celebrates the continent’s shared struggles and triumphs. “Reggae is the soundtrack of liberation,” she says, “and Africa needs that now more than ever”.
Fikile Shiba Makhalemele’s relentless advocacy has positioned her as a pioneer in South Africa’s cultural landscape. Through reggae, she bridges past and present, amplifying voices that call for justice, equality, and hope. For her, the genre is not merely a revival—it is a revolution.
