17 Masombuka, aimed to teach students fundamental photography skills, including the principles of photography, how to capture professional-quality images using a smart- phone, and how to explore various themes through their creative vision. The Club organised a range of themed photography projects throughout the year, each designed to challenge participants to view the world through diverse visual perspectives. A new offering, the Music Programme, facilitated by Imilonji Kantu Choral Society, aimed to nurture young talent, develop vocal and instrumental skills, and foster an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. During the year, the group remained in its developmental stage, focusing on building a strong foundation in music theory, vocal technique, harmony, and performance discipline. Stand-up Comedy, finally, facilitated by Isaac Mehlape, focused on content generation, performance skills, improvement in comedic timing, confidence and stage presence. The Arts Academy Showcase The Arts Academy Annual Showcase 2025 was successfully presented at the University of Johannesburg’s Drama Studio and Bunting Theatre from 14 to 17 October 2025. The showcase featured a rich and diverse programme of performances, exhibitions, and storytelling sessions, unified under the theme ‘Resilience and Reclamation: Rising Through Darkness’. The programme brought together students and mentors from across artistic disciplines, including dance, drama, photography, and poetry, as a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the human spirit. Over the four days, performances explored themes of healing, transformation, identity, and renewal, reflecting the resilience of individuals and communities navigating uncertainty. The Showcase concluded with the announcement of the Poetry Slam winner, followed by closing reflections on the artistic growth, collaboration, and creative exchange demonstrated throughout the programme. Overall, the Arts Academy Annual Showcase 2025 was a resounding success. It highlighted the depth of talent within the University of Johannesburg Arts Academy while reinforcing the transformative role of the arts in fostering empathy, resilience, and community. The event stands as a testament to the dedication of both students and mentors and sets a strong foundation for future artistic endeavours. UJ Choir After a lengthy audition process, including two development camps, the final number of UJ Choir 2025 stood at 71 (39 female and 32 male choristers), with Voices+ a smaller ensemble of UJ Choir. The Choir and Voices+ undertook a very extensive programme in 2025. In addition to performing at 79 University graduation ceremonies, the Choir presented 19 concerts and Voices+ 16 concerts, including one marking the UJ@20 celebrations. In addition, UJ Choir’s albums reached 1 885 240 streams globally during 2025. Student excursions Student excursions saw UJ Choir travel to Wag ’n Bietjie Kampterrein close to Pretoria for a development camp, and to Mpumalanga for a concert tour at three towns. Voices+ travelled to the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, where they won the ‘Woordfees Award for Outstanding Contribution to Classical Music: Innovation’. Arts Academy Poetry students toured to Durban for the International Poetry Festival. FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme The annual FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, presented from 14 – 25 July, challenges second-year students from across the Faculty to design and build models for elements of a play that Arts & Culture is to produce with a professional cast. The 2025 programme involved 335 students who were divided into 21 groups, bringing together students from different FADA departments, facilitating transfer of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Guest lecturers included Allegra Bernacchioni, Nthabiseng Malaka, Rhys Gordon, and Mammatli ThakhuliNzuza, with Prof Jay Pather presenting his director’s brief for the selected work, ‘The Bacchae of Euripides’. The full UJ Arts Academy ensemble taking a bow at the conclusion of the showcase.
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