South Africa’s 2025 International Festival Lineup Dates, Tickets & Venues
South Africa’s 2025 International Festival Lineup: South Africa is set to host an electrifying lineup of international artists in 2025, spanning hip-hop, R&B, jazz, EDM, and comedy. From Travis Scott’s high-energy performance in Johannesburg to Kenny G’s soulful saxophone melodies across three cities, music lovers have plenty to look forward to.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover all the major concerts, festivals, ticket details, and venues so you don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.
1. Hip-Hop & R&B Takeover
Travis Scott – Johannesburg (October)
One of the most anticipated events of the year, Travis Scott’s Castle Lite Unlocks concert in Johannesburg is set to be a high-energy spectacle. Known for his electrifying performances and hits like SICKO MODE and FE!N, this is a must-see for hip-hop fans.
Venue: FNB Stadium (Johannesburg)
Tickets: Computicket (Available soon via Castle Lite Unlocks)
Date: October 2024 (Exact date TBA)
Rick Ross – Durban (May)
The Boss, Rick Ross, is bringing his luxury rap anthems to Durban. Expect deep bass, flashy lyrics, and an unforgettable show filled with classics like Hustlin’ and Aston Martin Music.
Venue: Durban International Convention Centre (DICC)
Tickets: Ticketmaster (On sale soon)
Date: May 2024
Doja Cat – Pretoria (August)
Global superstar Doja Cat will headline Hey Neighbour Festival in Pretoria. With her genre-blending sound and viral hits (Say So, Paint The Town Red), this will be one of the biggest pop-rap events of the year.
Venue: Pretoria Showgrounds (Hey Neighbour Festival)
Tickets: Howler (Early bird sales open)
Date: August 2024
Summer Walker – Cape Town (October)
R&B sensation Summer Walker will perform at Rocking The Daisies, bringing her soulful vocals and intimate stage presence. Fans can expect smooth performances of Girls Need Love and No Love.
Venue: Rocking The Daisies Festival (Cape Town)
Tickets: Quicket (Early bird passes available)
Date: October 2024
Ari Lennox – Cape Town (April)
Dreamville’s first lady, Ari Lennox, will grace the CPT Jazz Fest with her sultry R&B vibes. Known for hits like Shea Butter Baby and Pressure, this will be a night of pure soul.
Venue: CPT Jazz Fest (Venue TBA)
Tickets: Webtickets (On sale soon)
Date: April 25-26, 2024
2. Jazz & Soul Excellence
Kenny G – Durban, Cape Town & Pretoria (October)
The legendary saxophonist, Kenny G, is touring South Africa with three major shows. His smooth jazz melodies (Songbird, Forever in Love) will captivate audiences in Durban (Oct 1), Cape Town (Oct 2), and Pretoria (Oct 3).
Venues:
Durban: Durban ICC (Oct 1)
Cape Town: Grand Arena, GrandWest (Oct 2)
Pretoria: SunBet Arena (Oct 3)
Tickets: Ticketpro (Available soon)
Esperanza Spalding & Jose James – Joy of Jazz Festival
Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding will bring her avant-garde jazz fusion, while Jose James delivers his rich, soulful voice. A dream lineup for jazz enthusiasts.
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre (Johannesburg)
Tickets: Webtickets (Early bird sales)
Date: TBA (Late 2024)
Masego – Cape Town (April)
The king of “TrapHouseJazz,” Masego, will perform at CPT Jazz Fest, blending saxophone melodies with modern R&B (Mystery Lady, Tadow).
Venue: CPT Jazz Fest
Tickets: Webtickets
Date: April 25-26, 2024
3. Electronic & Festival Scene
Ultra Music Festival – Cape Town (May 9 & 10)
One of the world’s biggest EDM festivals, Ultra South Africa, returns with headliners like Martin Garrix (Animals, In the Name of Love) and Armin Van Buuren (Blah Blah Blah, This Is What It Feels Like).
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
Tickets: Ultra SA Official Site (VIP & GA available)
Why Go? Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buuren, and more EDM legends under one roof.
Phora – Johannesburg & Cape Town (March & April)
Underground hip-hop favorite Phora will bring his emotional lyricism and fan-favorite tracks (Fake Smiles, I Think I’m Okay) to SA.
Venues:
Johannesburg: The Star Theatre (March)
Cape Town: The Atterbury Theatre (April)
Tickets: Plankton (On sale now)
4. Comedy & More
Laugh Africa Comedy Fest – May 2 & 3
Featuring Deon Cole (Black-ish, The Harder They Fall) and Patrick Salvado, this comedy festival promises big laughs in Johannesburg.
Venue: The Teatro, Montecasino (Johannesburg)
Tickets: Computicket
Major Festivals in 2025
| Festival | Dates | Headliners | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT Jazz Fest | April 25-26 | Ari Lennox, Masego, Black Coffee | Webtickets |
| Ultra SA | May 9-10 | Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buuren | Ultra SA |
| Hey Neighbour | August | Doja Cat, more TBA | Howler |
| Rocking The Daisies | October | Summer Walker | Quicket |
2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years for live music in South Africa. Whether you love hip-hop, jazz, EDM, or comedy, there’s an event for you.
Which concert are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!
