Abstract South African mental health laws and policies recognise the diversity of community identities and needs; however, there is a disjuncture between intent and effective implementation, which affects access to mental health care in marginalised communities. In the Eastern Cape, South Africa, marginalised communities lack access to sustainable mental health care which is suited to African ways of life. This research aims to explore how musicking can be integrated into marginalised communities as an alternative wellness programme for emotional distress. Using an Afrocentric approach to implementing musicking, it aims to foster a culturally responsive and community-based approach to mental health awareness, personal growth, and community development. Drawing on participants’ unique insights, the research aims to create a community-led conceptual framework that provides a respectful, educational, and culturally appropriate wellness programme in marginalised communities of the Eastern Cape.MethodologyThis qualitative study uses participatory action research methodology (PAR). The participants include a focus group of eight co-researchers from Intlantsi (a non-profit organisation) living in different marginalised communities in the Eastern Cape. The participants engaged in three research phases, three months apart, each embedded with a cyclical methodological procedure (planning, action, observation and reflection). The three phases consist of: (1) a one-week musicking workshop including three daily musicking sessions, self-expression and reflection through music, and conceptualising a community musicking wellness programme, (2) subsequent implementation of the wellness programme by the focus group in their selected communities, and (3) reflection, adaptation for sustainability and programme development. Data was collected during these phases from participant journals, interviews, and wellness assessments (GP-CORE). ResultsPreliminary data analysis suggests that musicking facilitates a deeper self-awareness and interpersonal connection, contributing to an individual's improved wellbeing. The participants' lived experiences allowed the programme's design to be created by and for the community. Furthermore, musicking a) allowed a safe channel of expression, awareness and compassion within the community, b) carried emotion where words were too difficult to express, c) encouraged accountability and agency for personal and community wellbeing, and d) is a natural African way of expression and engaging in mental health. ConclusionFindings underscore the transformative potential of community-driven, culturally embedded musical interventions to promote wellness in marginalised communities. The study proposes an alternative, accessible wellness strategy that aligns with the African community's needs and their lived realities.