South Africa is a melting pot of cultures and musical influences. It’s home to some of the world’s most unique festivals like Afrika Burn (where you basically just set everything on fire), awesome venues like Orbit in Johannesburg and unique talent such as Die Antwood. The world’s biggest names in music flock to South Africa to perform, as it’s a country full of energy; from the majestic heights of Table Mountain to the wild plains of Kruger National Park, it’s a place where epic experiences are waiting at your fingertips. Many artists choose to visit South Africa not just to benefit their musical careers but because simply it’s an incredible country to explore!
So here are some of the biggest names heading to South Africa this year and next…
The Lumineers
www.npr.org
The Lumineers are heading to South Africa to promote their new album Cleopatra. They’re back with a new sound that’s a little darker and more provocative. They’re performing in Cape Town on 26th April 2017 at Green Point Park and on 28th April 2017 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. So if you love “Ho Hey” as much as we do – don’t miss out!
David Guetta
djmag.com
David Guetta will be headlining Ultra Festival in February 2017, performing in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. He’ll be sharing the stage with Martin Garrix – what a duo! South Africa has seen some of the biggest names in house and dance music over recent years and it doesn’t get much bigger than Guetta! So if you’re a fan of ‘When Love Takes Over’, ‘Turn Me On’ and ‘Titanium’ then head to Cape Town on the 24th Feb or Johannesburg on the 25th Feb – or both, depending on how hard core you’re feeling.
UB40
ub40.org
It’s time for the ultimate comeback… UB40 are returning to South Africa, BIGGER and BETTER than ever with their sell-out, worldwide Red Red Wine tour. You’ll know their classic hits when you hear them, I’m sure your dad has got some CDs in his car of “Red Red Wine”, “Falling in love with you” and “Kingston Town”. They’re Britain’s most successful reggae band and you’ll be able to catch them at Cape Town’s Grand Arena on 5 Nov, Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 8 Nov, Durban’s Botanic Garden on 10 Nov and Johannesburg’s Ticketpro Dome on 12 Nov. See if your Dad’s free, you’ve still got time to get tickets!
Duke Dumont
promotionmusicnews.com
Duke Dumont is an English DJ, record producer and song writer. He’s had some MASSIVE tunes including (Need U) 100% and I Got U – bet you all remember that music video! This year he’s playing at one of Cape Town’s biggest music festivals, the Corona Sunsets Festival on the 16th December. Enjoy an ice cold beer with a wedge of lime, as you listen to some bangin’ tunes and soak up the South African sun. Tickets are still on sale, grab ‘em while you can!
Mumford and Sons
mumfordandsons.com/johannesburg
Mumford and Sons love South Africa so much they entitled their new album ‘Johannesburg’. The EP was created after their time spent recording in the city during their South African tour. The first song on the album ‘There Will Be Time’, is a gorgeous song. Their new sound has a strong African influence and includes collaborations with Baaba Maal (a Senegalese music legend), Beatenberg (a South African pop group) and The Very Best (a London-based, Malawi-inspired jazz/ hip-hop act). You’ll be able to catch their Dust & Thunder concert filmed in South Africa in cinemas from 8 November.