The Good Life Show Africa is breaking the mould in 2026 with the launch of the IMBO Theatre of Taste culinary arena, a new 360-degree format that brings audiences directly into the action at both the Cape Town and Johannesburg events.
Now in its sixth year, the show has evolved into one of the continent’s leading platforms for the “good living” economy, drawing thousands of consumers, buyers and industry stakeholders from across Africa and international markets.
The 250m² interactive arena merges live demonstrations and masterclass kitchens into a single immersive platform for the first time, making the chef-led experience more accessible, participatory and sensory.
- “IMBO, a brand that epitomises the concept of #Every Day Good Eating, or EDGE, is a natural fit as headline sponsor for the Theatre of Taste at the Good Life Show”, says Sharu Sobie, PepsiCo South Africa’s Marketing | Rice, Pasta & Legumes. “IMBO, which markets legumes such as dried beans, lentils and split peas, also has grains, popcorn and sago in their product range. With a hefty list of acknowledgements from South Africa’s health associations and foundations, IMBO is especially proud that its legumes are approved as part of The Heart and Stroke Foundation Eating Plan and carry the Heart Mark. IMBO legumes have also been recognised as a “Smart Food Choice” by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), and every pack carries the CANSA Seal of Recognition. Add to that the endorsement by The Glycemic Index Foundation of SA and recognition by Diabetes South Africa (DSA), and you have the perfect, plant-based food.”
Seated guests can enjoy exclusive tasters prepared by the back-of-house culinary team to sample the chef’s recipe that is being demonstrated at the time.
Heidi Warricker, Chief Events Officer at organiser Live Events, says the shift to a single platform will make the interactive cooking sessions more accessible, broadening their educational reach while amplifying inspiration.
The high-energy schedule for the three days includes no fewer than 14 “better-for-you” cooking sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, showcasing everything from indigenous ingredients and fusion fine dining to innovative, health-conscious cuisine.
This year’s list of headliners includes Nigerian food sensation Chef Tolani Tayo-Osikoya aka “Chef T” of Diary of a Kitchen Lover fame, Food Network star Jenny Morris, MasterChef SA’s Peter Goffe-Wood, heritage-focused, garden-to-plate cooking supremo Constantijn Leo Hahndiek, wild food innovator Roushanna Gray, farm-to-table pioneer Chris Erasmus, and Chef Clara of Black Garlic Zambia fame.
They are joined by Executive Pastry Chef Ilhame Guerrah, internationally renowned for her work on the Veliche Gourmet brand, “Chocolatier Farmer” Philippe Lelard, master chocolatier Kyle Hickman, “All-In-One Masala” inventor Solina Moodley, Culinary Olympian Oscar Baard, sustainability advocate Gregory Henderson, as well as Taj Cape Town Executive Chef Somnathsingh Rakesh.
The lineup is rounded off by mixologist extraordinaire Roxanne “Fox on the Rocks” Read, who features within the show’s Wild & Stirred element; a curated mixology experience aligned with the growing “intentional drinking” movement, where flavour, craft and sustainability take precedence over consumption.
The first leg of the Good Life Show will be held at the Mother City’s Cape Town International Convention Centre from May 29–31, while the second will be staged at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from September 18–20.
- Tickets for the Good Life Show at the Cape Town International Convention Centre can be purchased online at https://qkt.io/GoodLifeShowAfrica-CapeTown2026 or at the door.
- Tickets are also now available at https://qkt.io/GoodLifeShowAfrica-Johannesburg2026 for the show at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
