Festivals and Events

  • Corona Never Ending Sunsets chases the final golden hours

    Corona Never Ending Sunsets chases the final golden hours

    As the temperatures begin to dip and Johannesburg slowly trades late summer evenings for crisp winter skies, Corona Never Ending Sunsets continues to deliver the perfect golden-hour escape — and we’re not ready for it to end just yet.

    The first edition kicked off at Epicure Rooftop in Rosebank on 25 April 2026, bringing together music lovers, creatives and sunset seekers for an unforgettable daytime-to-night experience, followed by another sun-soaked gathering at Rockets Bryanston on 2 May 2026.

    Now, Corona Never Ending Sunsets heads into its next chapter on 16 May 2026, with the venue still under wraps.

    The Rosebank edition turned the rooftop into a dreamy sunset soundtrack as music lovers gathered for an afternoon that effortlessly flowed into nightfall. Sino Msolo, Kitchen Mess, Pravicii and Karyendasoul kept the energy alive from daytime grooves through to golden hour.

    Closing out the evening was Thee Buhle, whose smooth hour-and-a-half set perfectly matched the skyline as the city turned shades of amber and gold.

    Now, anticipation is building for the 16 May edition — which also lands on In The Know Media’s birthday weekend — making the next Never Ending Sunsets installment feel even more special. While the location remains a mystery for now, one thing is certain: sunset chasers will be showing up ready for another unforgettable experience.

    The series will officially wrap up on 30 May 2026 in Pretoria, bringing the season to a close with one final sunset celebration before winter fully settles in.

    Among those spotted enjoying the atmosphere was artist and musician Money Badoo, who shared why Corona remains her beer of choice.

    “I don’t really drink beer like that, to be honest,” she said. “I don’t like to feel bloated. But I drink Corona. It’s actually one of the only beers I drink because I love tequila, I love lime, I love that sour taste. And the fact that you can drop and roll the lime and it’s refreshing — yeah, Corona is the only beer. My only exception, actually.”

    With only two editions left before the series signs off for the season, all that’s left to do is grab a lime, find your people and watch the sun go down one more time.

  • Ella Mai set for two exclusive South African shows this April

    Ella Mai set for two exclusive South African shows this April

    The chart-topping R&B star brings her signature sound to Sun City and Cape Town for a limited live run.

    Award-winning British R&B singer-songwriter Ella Mai is heading to South Africa this April, with just two highly anticipated performances lined up for fans. The “Boo’d Up” hitmaker will take to the stage at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 25 April as part of the Konka Kulture Weekend, before heading to Cape Town’s GrandWest on Sunday, 26 April for a second and final show.

    Known for her smooth vocals and emotionally charged songwriting, Ella Mai’s return to the stage promises an immersive live experience, blending fan favourites with newer material. Audiences can expect to hear hits like “Trip” alongside tracks from her latest studio album Do You Still Love Me, which has already resonated with listeners through songs such as “Little Things” and “Tell Her”.

    The Sun City performance forms part of the wider Konka Kulture Weekend, a three-day music-led experience delivered in partnership with Konka and Vertex Events, while the Cape Town show offers a more focused evening curated solely by Vertex Events. Both promise an atmosphere tailored to R&B lovers, with a strong emphasis on connection, nostalgia and live performance energy.

    Since emerging onto the global music scene in 2014, Ella Mai has built an impressive catalogue and collaborated with industry heavyweights including Chris Brown, Usher, H.E.R. and Nicki Minaj, cementing her place as one of modern R&B’s defining voices.

    With anticipation building, organisers are positioning both shows as standout moments on the local live music calendar — the kind of nights designed to linger long after the final encore.

  • Montreux Meets Africa: Franschhoek Set to Host First African Edition of Iconic Jazz Festival

    Montreux Meets Africa: Franschhoek Set to Host First African Edition of Iconic Jazz Festival

    Franschhoek, South Africa, 19 February 2026 – Prepare for a musical collision of continents as the Montreux Jazz Festival lands in Africa for the very first time. Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank from 27–29 March 2026, has unveiled a stellar line-up that promises world-class artistry, intimate performances, and cultural exchange like never before.

    This inaugural African edition will unfold across two distinctive hubs: The Arches Main Stage, located at the historic monument, and the cosy, atmospheric Jazz Village, housed within Franschhoek’s iconic church. Together, they set the stage for a festival that balances global heavyweights, pioneering African voices, genre-defying innovators, and rising talent.

    Mark Goedvolk, MJFSA’s founder, explains: “Bringing the Montreux Jazz Festival to Africa has never been about replication – it’s about re-imagining what this legendary platform can become when rooted in African creativity, excellence and storytelling. Franschhoek provides the perfect canvas for an intimate, meaningful and globally resonant experience.”

    The Arches Main Stage – Friday

    The festival opens with The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, led by South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo. Other highlights include:

    • Brother Kujenga (SA) – a fusion of Afro-futurism, soul, spoken word, and experimental rock, delivering a politically and spiritually charged performance.
    • Wet Wet Wet (UK) – the Scottish pop legends behind hits like Love Is All Around, bringing timeless, melody-driven pop anthems.
    • Róisín Murphy (Ireland) – acclaimed for her avant-garde art-pop and electrifying stagecraft.

    The Arches Main Stage – Saturday

    Saturday promises a thrilling mix of local and international talent:

    • The Ploemies and Friends (SA) – Cape jazz groove collective opening the night with joyous improvisation.
    • Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, Mandisi Dyantyis and Salif Keita
    • Thandiswa Mazwai (SA) – cultural icon blending Afro-soul, Xhosa traditions, funk, and electronic textures.
    • Ezra Collective (UK) – Mercury Prize-winning UK jazz ensemble celebrated for explosive live energy and Afro-diasporic groove.
    • Robert Glasper with special guest Bilal (US) – modern jazz and neo-soul architects delivering a landmark collaboration.

    Jazz Village – Friday

    In the intimate Jazz Village, audiences can look forward to:

    • Madala Kunene & Sibusisle Xaba (SA)
    • Kesivan & The Lights ft Swiss Africa Horns & BONJ – showcasing a distinct repertoire from the big band, highlighting Kesivan Naidoo’s versatility.
    • Stacey Kent (US) – Grammy-nominated vocalist renowned for her elegant phrasing and timeless jazz interpretations.
    • Ramon Alexander Trio ft Buddy Wells (SA) – a blend of classic and modern jazz, featuring Stellenbosch pianist Ramon Alexander and saxophonist Buddy Wells.

    Music curator Lindsay Rhoda emphasises: “Every artist has been chosen to move audiences emotionally, spiritually, and musically. From intimate Jazz Village performances to the grandeur of The Arches stage, this line-up offers discovery, celebration, and connection.”

    Jazz Village – Saturday

    Saturday continues with a celebration of legacy and innovation:

    • Kwanti Leeh!
    • Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku (SA) – presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer, paying homage to the late South African jazz visionary.
    • “A Kind of Blue” (US) – Miles Davis centenary celebration featuring Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, and Lenny White.
    • Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg (SA) – an intimate, soul-stirring exploration of love and renewal.
    • The Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA) – Cape Town pianist Kyle Shepherd and collaborators Benjamin Jephta and Jono Sweetman delivering modern jazz infused with African resonance.

    Sunday Slowdown – 29 March

    The festival concludes with a relaxed, un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown along the Montreux Mile on Huguenot Street. While the main stages will be silent, the town will hum with music, public bars, food vendors, and a ‘wine down’ featuring local vignerons. A perfect day to soak up the cultural and culinary delights of Franschhoek.

    Buli Ndlovu, Nedbank Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, adds: “Nedbank is proud to support a festival that places African artistry at the centre of a global cultural conversation. Music has the power to unite, inspire and uplift, and MJFSA embodies this spirit.”

    Tickets for the Jazz Village are live on Ticketmaster. For premium hospitality packages, contact: hospitality@mjfsa.com. For more information, visit www.mjfsa.com.

    Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek promises an intimate, premium experience where global legends and African icons meet, creating a unique cultural and musical journey.

  • Africa Rising Music Conference 2026: Johannesburg Gears Up for Two Days of Global Sounds and Homegrown Talent

    Africa Rising Music Conference 2026: Johannesburg Gears Up for Two Days of Global Sounds and Homegrown Talent

    Africa Rising Music Conference returns to Johannesburg this May with global names, bold ideas and a spotlight on homegrown sounds

    Johannesburg’s cultural calendar is about to get a serious upgrade. The Africa Rising Music Conference is back at Constitution Hill on 22 and 23 May 2026, bringing two days of big conversations, boundary-pushing innovation and cross-continental collaboration to the heart of the city.

    Now firmly established as one of the continent’s leading music industry gatherings, ARMC connects African and global players across music, media and tech. Female-led and future-focused, the conference champions leadership, artist and executive exchange, and real-world collaboration that stretches far beyond panel discussions.

    Founder and Conference Director Sarah Jane Nicholson says the 2026 edition is rooted in building tangible pathways between artists, executives, markets and ideas. The first wave of speakers and genre spotlights, she explains, sets the tone for a programme centred on cultural relevance and long-term impact, with much more still to be revealed in the months ahead.

    First headline speakers announced

    This year’s early headline names span music, technology and media, reflecting ARMC’s cross-industry ethos.

    Confirmed speakers include chart-topping artist Elaine, Nkosiyati Khumalo of Billboard Africa, singer-songwriter Filah Lah Lah and Rofhiwa Maneta from Meta.

    International voices already confirmed include Steffen Holly of Fraunhofer IDMT in Germany and Alex Jukes of Jukebox PR. More global artists and executives are set to join the line-up in the coming months.

    A strategic partnership with RISA

    ARMC 2026 also announces a strategic partnership with the Recording Industry of South Africa, the organisation representing the country’s major and independent record labels. The collaboration aims to strengthen dialogue around rights, sustainability and long-term industry growth at a time when the African market is rapidly evolving.

    Genre spotlights: Lekompo and Maskandi

    This year’s programme turns its attention to two powerful expressions of South African identity: Lekompo and Maskandi.

    Lekompo, a fast-rising genre from Limpopo, is translating grassroots momentum into serious digital scale. Artists such as Shandesh and Kharishma have amassed tens of millions of cumulative streams, with strong growth across platforms including Spotify. It is a case study in how regional sounds can build national audiences through streaming-led discovery.

    Maskandi will also take centre stage, with sessions exploring how this deeply rooted, community-driven genre continues to expand its mainstream reach through digital platforms, all while holding firmly onto its cultural identity.

    Four pillars shaping 2026

    ARMC 2026 is built around four core pillars: Live and Entertainment, Innovation and Music Tech, Education and Employment, and Export and Building Bridges.

    A major highlight will be the expansion of the AI Think Tank Roundtable to Johannesburg for the first time. Originally launched in Berlin by Paradise Worldwide alongside partners including Association For Electronic Music and MusicTech Germany, the initiative brings together music and technology leaders to debate ethical AI use, fair attribution, creator protection and the future of Pan-African independent ecosystems.

    The 2026 theme song

    True to its collaborative spirit, ARMC also drops its 2026 theme song, 3NRGY, by Money Badoo and Bony Fly. The track was born out of the conference’s annual studio sessions and captures the kind of cross-border creative exchange ARMC actively facilitates.

    Supported by headline partners Paradise Worldwide and MintDigital Services, ARMC will once again spill into a curated night-time programme of showcases and live performances across Johannesburg. Further details on venues and partners are set to follow.

    Early bird tickets are now available via Quicket, with demand expected to rise as more names and programme details are announced. For artists, executives and music lovers alike, Africa Rising Music Conference 2026 promises two days where ideas meet action — and where Africa’s next chapter in music takes shape.

  • BMW’s Collectors Co. is Driving the Future of African Art Patronage

    BMW’s Collectors Co. is Driving the Future of African Art Patronage

    A Movement Rooted in Art and Legacy

    Launched in 2020 by BMW Group South Africa and FNB Art Joburg, the BMW Young Collectors Co. was created to spark a new wave of African art collectors. Targeting executives, entrepreneurs and creatives under 40, the club has offered members something few others can access: intimate moments with leading artists, curators and collectors, plus insider knowledge of how the African contemporary art market works.

    Over five years, more than 1,500 young leaders have taken part in over 30 exclusive events across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. These moments of connection not only fuel a passion for collecting but also empower members to support artists in ways that shape the cultural future of the continent.

    Beyond Young Collectors: An Intergenerational Shift

    While the Young Collectors Co. successfully seeded tomorrow’s patrons, the next step was inevitable. Enter The BMW Collectors Co., which opens its doors to seasoned collectors over 40. This evolution ensures that the ecosystem benefits from intergenerational dialogue—where experience, resources and networks meet fresh perspectives.

    The result? A more balanced, sustainable and resilient art market, built on continuity and shared purpose.

    The BMW Art Generation: Where the Public Joins In

    Not all of BMW’s cultural programming is behind closed doors. To share the magic with the wider public, the company and FNB Art Joburg launched The BMW Art Generation—a vibrant annual gathering that combines art, performance, design and lifestyle.

    The first two editions have featured exhibitions, open studios, monumental performances, luxury food and wine stalls, and talks with international art heavyweights. Music takes centre stage too: audiences have enjoyed live sets from South African icons such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Msaki and Muneyi, transforming the event into a true cultural festival.

    The third edition of The BMW Art Generation takes place on 30 August 2025 at NIROX Sculpture Park, promising another unforgettable celebration of African creativity.

    These images were taken by Lethabo Motseleng

    Collecting as Cultural Legacy

    For both the Young Collectors and Collectors Co., the mission goes beyond acquiring art. It’s about building personal legacy and safeguarding cultural heritage. As FNB Art Joburg’s Managing Director Mandla Sibeko explains, “Culture thrives when shared.”

    By engaging both emerging and established collectors, BMW and FNB Art Joburg are ensuring that contemporary African art not only survives—but thrives, evolves and claims its rightful place on the global stage.

  • Hey Neighbour Festival moves back to December

    Hey Neighbour Festival moves back to December

    Hey Neighbour Festival 2025, originally scheduled for August, will now take place in December. The move comes as organisers aim to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the event. The festival had promised a stellar lineup including Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee, and Leon Thomas, among others.

    Festival CEO Glen Netshipise shared, “We understand the disappointment this change brings to our fans, partners, and artists. Our communication hasn’t been as clear as it should’ve been, and for that, we truly apologise. We’re committed to being more transparent moving forward and delivering a world-class experience this December.” He added, “The continued support from our sponsors, artists, and fans is what’s making this all possible.”

    What This Means for Ticket Holders & Sponsors:

    • Tickets: All previously purchased tickets remain valid. New festival dates and the full lineup will be announced on 30 September 2025.
    • Refunds: Refunds will be processed by 10 October 2025 for those who can no longer attend.
    • Sponsors: Direct communication will be made with each sponsor.
    • Artists: Discussions are underway to re-confirm performances for the new dates.

    Organisers are actively securing additional funding, partners and headline acts to elevate the festival experience. Stay updated by visiting www.heyneighbour.co.za or following @HeyNeighbourFest on social media.

    Contact Info:
    tickets@heyneighbour.co.za
    +27 60 808 5252
    www.heyneighbour.co.za

  • Desert Poems: Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe’s Powerful Homecoming Dance Performance at UJ 11 & 12 April

    Desert Poems: Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe’s Powerful Homecoming Dance Performance at UJ 11 & 12 April

    UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA), is thrilled to present Desert Poems, an evocative solo dance production by world-renowned dancer and choreographer Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. These exclusive performances will take place on 11 and 12 April 2025 at the Keorapetse William Kgosietsile Theatre, located at the UJ Arts Centre in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

    Desert Poems features original pieces choreographed by Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe, with additional music by Dizu Plaatjiis’ Ibuyanmo Ensemble.

    Desert Poems encapsulates the austere allure and enigmatic tranquility of an environment characterised by extremes. These evocative pieces  eloquently depict the scorching sun, the biting wind, the expansive emptiness, and the remarkable tenacity of life. Each movement vividly evokes the hues of the sand, the contours of the dunes and the profound silence of the nocturnal sky. These poems resonate with themes of resilience, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of survival amidst formidable challenges. Through evocative imagery and contemplative movement language, Desert Poems transports audiences to a realm that is both harsh and breathtakingly beautiful.

    “As I create more solo dance works, I increasingly find myself exploring uncharted territory. I believe a guiding force has led me to this point, preceding Desert Poems and other solo pieces, which uniquely connect nature, spirituality and a certain degree of uncertainty,” says Mantsoe of the work.

    “I am thrilled to return home and deeply grateful to the University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture for their invaluable partnership in hosting this world premiere. A special thank you to Wesley Maherry for his exceptional lighting design. I am also profoundly thankful to my family in France and South Africa for their unwavering encouragement and love, as well as to my close friends for their silent yet powerful support. Finally, I acknowledge the unseen forces that guide my spiritual journey—without them, this work would not have been possible,” stated Mantsoe.

    UJ Arts & Culture is invested in supporting and rebuilding the Johannesburg dance community, re-energising audiences, and celebrating the world-class dance that the city has always produced. “Active engagement and audience building is essential for the dance and theatre sector to flourish in South Africa. This city has long been a hub for world-class dance, and it is important to celebrate and nurture that legacy,” says Pieter Jacobs Head of UJ Arts & Culture

    “We are very excited to welcome Vincent to our stage, especially at a significant moment in time as we mark UJ’s 20th anniversary. Creating access for South Africans to experience new and innovative work is central to our mission at UJ Arts & Culture,” he continued.

    Join us for the Desert Poems performance on 11 and 12 April at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre as we celebrate and reignite the spirit of dance and creativity.

    Tickets are available at: https://tinyurl.com/VMatUJ

    For more information, contact Lakin Morgan-Baatjies at lakinmb@uj.ac.za.