Get ready for an electrifying journey through the ultimate electronic dance music festival of the African continent, Ultra South Africa 2024. The festival has unveiled a starstudded lineup, featuring global icons such as Skrillex, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, W&W, and Vintage Culture, along with local talents Major League DJZ and Shimza. The festival will take place on March 1st at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town and on March 2nd at the Expo Centre at Nasrec in Johannesburg, promising an unforgettable weekend of music and dance. Don’t miss out on the celebration of electronic dance music that will leave an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.
The Lady Day Big Band, an allfemale professional big band, is launching their debut album ‘Livus’umoya’ in Cape Town, South Africa. The band showcases the skills of female musicians, nurtures emerging talent, and disrupts traditional norms in the maledominated jazz scene. The album is a reflection of the musicians’ growth and confidence, with over half of the compositions written by band members. The launch promises to be an unforgettable night of astounding music and a tribute to South African music, showcasing the enchantment of The Lady Day Big Band.
Eminem’s impromptu performance of ‘Lose Yourself’ during the Detroit Lions playoff game turned the event into a concert that brought together fans from different backgrounds. With fellow musicians and football idol Barry Sanders, Eminem fused sports and music, igniting the hearts of Detroit’s locals. The unifying power of music was underscored as 65,000 fans chanted the lyrics in synchrony, creating an electrifying display that broke conventional confines of a playoff game and will be etched in Detroit’s shared memory for years to come.
Black Coffee, a DJ and record producer from South Africa, was involved in a serious travel accident when his plane experienced turbulence on the way to a concert in Argentina. Despite undergoing surgery in Uruguay’s capital city, he has remained positive and has continued to inspire many with his success as a global music icon. Black Coffee’s innovative and culturallyrooted music has earned him recognition and admiration across borders, and his ongoing recovery serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of determination and positivity in the face of adversity.
Black Coffee is a South African musician who has created a unique sound that blends deep house with Afrofuturism and electronic music. He has won many awards and has performed at top venues all over the world. His music is a reminder that music is a universal language that can bring people together. As he recovers from a recent hospitalization, his fans wish him well and look forward to his return to the DJ booth.
DJ Zinhle, a celebrated South African artist, recently celebrated her 41st birthday with a virtual carnival of warm wishes and heartfelt messages. Her fans, friends, and loved ones praised her as a symbol of strength, elegance, and inspiration. DJ Zinhle’s path serves as a demonstration of the impactful role of music in shaping cultural identity and economic dynamism. She strikes a chord across age groups and geographical boundaries, reflecting her dual identity as a celebrated artist and a devoted mother.
Mbongeni Ngema, a cultural icon in South Africa, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident. He was a celebrated theatre producer, musician, and creative powerhouse who brought his soul into his awardwinning creations. His legacy will continue to live on in his profound and transformative works, including the globally celebrated musical, Sarafina!, which explored the oppressive apartheid era and stood as a testament to the enduring power of art. Tributes have poured in from various sectors, highlighting the unique South African narratives that Ngema beautifully illustrated through his music and theatre.
Get ready for the revival of the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ in Cape Town City Hall on March 16 and 17, 2024. This musical extravaganza includes a fusion of classical and modern music, with a theme of ‘Roccover Beethoven,’ and features the Cape Town Proms Orchestra, two solo performers, four unique choirs, and the Cape Town Highlanders. The event is expected to sell out, so grab your tickets early and join in the celebration of music’s power and unity.
Renowned South African music icon Simphiwe Dana postponed her concert in Gqeberha due to logistical hindrances, but she apologized for the inconvenience and promised to deliver a magnificent performance. Fans eagerly await the rescheduled date, as Dana has a reputation for captivating performances and establishing a deep connection with her listeners. Despite the delay, her fans remain excited and supportive of her commitment to her art and her audience, making the forthcoming performance one to look forward to.
Russian hiphop artist Oxxxymiron’s “Beauty and Ugliness” global tour is set to reach Cape Town in January 2024, marking his first performance in South Africa. The tour is a tribute to his creative philosophy and a quest to reunite with the Russian diaspora scattered across the globe. Oxxxymiron’s music, which spans the entire hiphop spectrum, provides comfort and unity to those unsettled by recent upheavals, and his concert promises to be a celebration of artistic liberty and a tribute to the transformative power of music that transcends national boundaries.
The Hey Neighbour Festival in Pretoria brought together music lovers from across Africa for a threeday event filled with international music, arts, and crafts. The rhythmic beats and euphoric soundscape created an immersive experience that nurtured a sense of togetherness and celebration. Despite logistical hiccups, the festival stood as a testament to music’s unifying power and offered a promising future for music enthusiasts.
In the pulsating core of Cape Town, a fascinating blend of diverse cultures and talents come together in a magnificent display of unity and entertainment. The Unity on the Square concert, an annual event now in its third year, is proudly backed by the City of Cape Town. This highly anticipated occasion unites the crème de la crème of Cape Town’s music scene. On the 16th of December 2023, the air in Greenmarket Square will be filled with the melodic tunes of Emo Adams, Youngsta CPT, Jack Parow, Kurt Darren, Early B, Loukmaan Adams, Jimmy Nevis, Paxton Fielies, and NV Funk, among other artists.
The Search Festival at Utopia is a fourday New Year’s celebration focused on music and sustained by volunteers. It takes place at a farm near Swellendam and showcases local and international performers. The festival emphasizes independence, volunteerism, safety measures, and staff training. With a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, it offers a unique festival experience centered on community, creativity, and a dedication to nurturing a safe and stimulating atmosphere.
Prime Circle, a beloved South African rock band, is undergoing a transformation with the departure of their lead vocalist, Ross Learmonth. Despite this change, the remaining band members are hopeful and dedicated, looking forward to introducing a new lead vocalist and fresh sounds in the future. Learmonth’s departure signifies a new period of discovery and reinvention, but the band’s tenacity and connection with their fans ensure that their legacy will continue to echo in the halls of South Africa’s musical chronicles.
Alicia Keys is a worldfamous musician known for her exceptional R&B music and groundbreaking album ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys.’ Her first Grammy win was a significant achievement, but she was so shocked that they did not celebrate as much as they could have. Alicia’s journey is an inspiration, showcasing her resilience, her talent, and her genuineness, and her legacy continues to be a cherished masterpiece in the world of music.
inDrive’s ‘Layita Khayelitsha’ campaign uses the power of music and community involvement to bring light to the streets and lives of the Khayelitsha community in Cape Town. For every 2000 streams of the campaign song by Amapiano artist Khanyisa Jaceni, inDrive commits to installing a solar light in Khayelitsha. The campaign showcases the potential of individual actions to catalyze significant transformation in the community, while also reinforcing inDrive’s commitment to fostering safety and equity within the communities they serve.