MOJA Arts Festival: 2026

Welcome to MOJA: the annual, eight-day, national celebration of Black arts, culture and heritage that honors the lasting contributions of the African Diaspora.

MOJA 2026 festival dates: Sept 24 – Oct 1

MOJA is produced by MOJA ARTS, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. Join residents of Charleston and guests from across South Carolina and the country to experience the city’s unique cultural and historical connection to the global Black experience through music, food and artisans.

2026 MOJA Arts Festival highlights

Charlton Singleton & Friends Presents: New Jack Swing

Sept. 26 – Doors at 7pm at Charleston Music Hall

Few musical movements changed the sound of R&B quite like New Jack Swing. Blending soulful vocals with infectious grooves and hip-hop-inspired rhythms, it created a style that dominated dance floors and radio stations while defining an entire generation.

MOJA Gospel: A Salute to Men of Gospel

Sept. 27 – 4 pm at Greater St. Luke AME Church

MOJA presents a spirit-filled series of performances celebrating Men of Gospel at Greater St. Luke AME Church. The afternoon concert will feature gospel performances including the Rev. Randolph Miller.

MOJA: Wonder at 50 – A Celebration of Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life

Sept. 28 – 7pm at Dock Street Theatre

MOJA presents Demetrius Doctor in a special concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s masterpiece, Songs in the Key of Life. Released on September 28, 1976, the landmark album remains one of Wonder’s most celebrated works.

MOJA: An Evening with Jazmin Ghent with Special Guest Seth Gaillard

Sept. 29 – 7pm at Dock Street Theatre

Chart-topping artist Jazmin Ghent and her band take the stage at Dock Street Theatre for an evening celebrating the unique styling of Charleston jazz. The concert also will feature Seth Gaillard as the opening act.

photo by John Williams

The MOJA festival annually recognizes the African American traditions and cultural legacies of four selected West African and Caribbean countries. The 2026 festival will celebrate Barbados, Gullah Geechee, Jamaica and Sierra Leone. MOJA Arts and OCA are seeking sponsors and support for the festival as it evolves into an international institution.

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