Honouring Indigenous Gospel Traditions and the Legacy of Prophet Isaac Setati at the Arts Alive Festival

The Arts Alive Festival, held from 14 to 15 February 2026, celebrated South Africa’s rich indigenous gospel heritage while paying tribute to the life and legacy of Prophet Isaac Setati, founder of Isaac and The Mighty Messengers. The festival showcased traditional gospel forms such as clap ’n tap and AmaZioni, uniting choirs from across the country and promoting heritage preservation, youth involvement, and social cohesion. Project manager Nomgqibelo Likole highlighted that the event celebrates traditional Mzansi gospel forms and preserves vital oral traditions through song, dance, and worship. “It serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse choirs to reinforce shared spiritual and cultural values,” she said, emphasizing the festival’s role in strengthening community identity and inclusivity.

Prophet Isaac Setati’s contributions were a central part of the festival’s celebration. A devoted servant of God and a visionary leader within the AmaZioni gospel movement, he shaped faith communities and inspired generations through worship, discipline, and spiritual guidance. His leadership went beyond building a choir; he created a spiritual legacy rooted in faith, excellence, and unity. As part of the Indigenous Gospel Festival family, Prophet Setati played a pivotal role in preserving and elevating AmaZioni and Clap ’n Tap traditions, leaving an enduring impact on South African gospel music.

Nomgqibelo Likole explained that indigenous gospel traditions foster healing, identity, and community by merging spirituality with cultural expression. “Their rhythmic, embodied practice creates a cathartic and meditative environment for renewal. Rooted in indigenous African Christianity, these genres have evolved from acapella into vital symbols of cultural identity,” she said. Youth participation was central to the festival, ensuring that these traditions are passed on and remain vibrant. By engaging young people, the festival provides inclusive spaces for learning, adaptation, and intergenerational transmission, turning music into a communal ritual that strengthens cultural pride and shared identity.

Over nine editions, the Indigenous Gospel Festival has grown from a community celebration into a flagship event on Johannesburg’s arts calendar. It now attracts local and international choirs, promotes youth engagement, and preserves indigenous gospel traditions as part of the city’s Arts Alive programme. The City of Johannesburg leverages the festival as a strategic cultural initiative to advance heritage preservation, social cohesion, and inclusive arts development. Festivals like Arts Alive celebrate South Africa’s musical diversity while creating opportunities for community building and spiritual renewal.

Honouring Prophet Isaac Setati at this festival reinforced his enduring influence on the AmaZioni gospel movement. His life and work continue to guide choirs, musicians, and worshippers, ensuring that Clap ’n Tap and AmaZioni traditions remain relevant for future generations. Every harmony performed in his memory serves as a reminder of the transformative power of his ministry. The Arts Alive Festival successfully merged celebration, remembrance, and cultural preservation, highlighting the role of indigenous gospel traditions and the lasting legacy of a visionary leader whose contributions continue to inspire worship, unity, and spiritual growth.