FOSTA follows former gang member Thulani “Fosta” Headman as he transforms his life through music, helps build opportunities for young people in Langa, and goes on to share stages with some of the world’s biggest artists.
Cape Town, South Africa (08 July 2026) – Some dreams begin with a second chance and for Thulani “Fosta” Headman, that second chance came after prison. Instead of letting his past define him, the Langa-born musician turned to electronic music, determined to build a different future. Now, his extraordinary journey is taking centre stage in a powerful new South African documentary set to premiere at this year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).
FOSTA follows the remarkable transformation of a man who went from life behind bars to sharing the stage with Grammy-winning DJ and producer Skrillex at one of the world’s biggest music festivals, while helping create opportunities for countless young creatives back home.
“Here I was, known as a criminal in my community,” Fosta says in the documentary. “Coming out, personally I had a point to prove to myself that I could use music in order to change my life.”
His story caught the attention of former Ibiza promoter and Bridges for Music founder Valentino Barrioseta, who discovered the vibrant electronic music scene in Langa during a visit to Cape Town. What started as a shared love for music grew into a friendship and eventually a vision that would change lives.
Together, they helped establish the Bridges Academy in Langa. This is a creative hub that equips young people with world-class music technology, mentorship and training, creating pathways into the global music industry.
The academy has welcomed internationally renowned artists, including Skrillex, Black Coffee, Ed Sheeran, Richie Hawtin and Luciano, while also giving talented South Africans opportunities to showcase their skills on some of the world’s biggest stages.
The film also introduces audiences to aspiring musician Siphe Fassie, nephew of South African music legend Brenda Fassie, as well as Marius Boaden, founder of the Prison Broadcasting Network, which gives inmates at Pollsmoor Prison a platform to create radio content for fellow prisoners.
Behind the camera is director and cinematographer Eldon van Aswegen, who spent 13 years documenting Fosta’s remarkable journey.
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FOSTA will have its world premiere at the Durban International Film Festival on 24 July, bringing one of South Africa’s most inspiring stories to the big screen.
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