Over the last few years, international artists opened their eyes (and ears) to the vibrantly obsessed audiences across South Africa’s cities. Whether at international festival stages or genre-bending boutique parties, South Africa is now an essential stop on global touring schedules. There is definitely a shift in the network between international artists and the African continent. Undoubtedly, South Africa’s live music scene is glowing in real time, and it appears to be worth every dime.
In the first half of 2025, many of South Africa’s popular music event venues were booked and busy. The Grand Arena in Cape Town and the James & Ethel Gray Park in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs served as solid venues for this year’s vibe so far. In addition, speculation and conversation about who has and will perform are essential at this time of the year. Therefore, we believe it is important to reflect on what works so that we avoid what does not. Here are nine international artists who’ve performed on South African stages, proving just how broad — and beautiful — our musical appetite truly is.
1. Kaytranada
The GRAMMY-winning producer and beatmaster kicked off 2025 with an unforgettable set at Milk & Cookies Fest in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Certainly, Kaytranada strikes a beautiful balance with his house-meets-hip-hop fusion sound. As a country that birthed house acts like Muzi and Black Coffee, it felt right at home. Therefore, if the social buzz is anything to go by, SA is ready for his return.
2. Ego Ella May
The UK’s neo-soul poet and powerhouse, Ego Ella May, headlined Johannesburg’s Queertopia Festival in January. She was awarded the 2020 MOBO award for her critically acclaimed album ‘Honey For Wounds’, often described as a ‘healing’ album. Undoubtedly, her tone and themes add soulful depth to the country’s growing alternative music landscape. The South Londoner gained traction after her A COLORS ENCORE performance of the lyrically vivid ‘Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys’. Although moving at the pace of her heart’s desire, her connection with soulful South Africans runs deep.
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3. Gunna
US rapper Gunna pulled up in January for an exclusive Heineken House party in Johannesburg. The event celebrates music, art, and fashion at their best. He was featured in afropop star Tyla’s 2023 hit ‘Jump’, currently at 250 million streams on Spotify. With trap fans out in full force, the event delivered exciting energy. Without a doubt, Gunna’s reception hints at SA’s readiness for the biggest names in hip-hop to tour regularly.
4. Joe Kay
Joe Kay, co-founder of the Soulection collective, brought his signature soulful blends to intimate venues in both Cape Town and Jozi this February. He is an active DJ and broadcasts distinct electronic grooves weekly on Apple Music’s Beats 1 in over 100 countries. DJ culture is incredibly popular and forms an overwhelming part of a typical live music event lineup. Nevertheless, his visit proved that there’s a thriving community of future beat heads and vibe chasers on home soul.
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5. Tems
Grammy award-winning Nigerian superstar Tems finally gave South African fans the experience they’d been thirsting for. Her March show of her ‘Born in the Wild’ tour at the Dome in Johannesburg was spiritual — an out-of-body moment for many. Initially, Tems performed in South Africa at the DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival in 2023. After the warm reception that year, it is unsurprising that she felt the love enough to return. Tems is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Afrobeats. Also, she represents and dispatches her sound beautifully, as far as the Aston Martin Formula One team’s unveiling event.
6. Sting
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Sting brought his ‘Sting 3.0’ tour to Pretoria and Cape Town in March. He played his rich 40-year-old discography to multigenerational crowds, reminding us of the power of border-crossing songwriting. In his 1980s song ‘Driven to Tears’, Sting showed his interest in political and social issues. He was one of the last few remaining global activists from his time, undoubtedly bringing nostalgia to his audience.
7. Ari Lennox
American R&B singer Ari Lennox made her highly anticipated South African debut at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April. The Dreamville Records signee’s name spread like wildfire after her debut album ‘Shea Butter Baby’. Ari represents a sound and vocal force harmonious with singer Summer Walker, set to perform this year. Additionally, buttery vocals and warm stage presence had fans singing along like Ari’s been performing here for years. Despite South African R&B’s slow expansion on streaming, she gives us a peek of how it looks on stage.
8. GoldLink
After performing at Afropunk Joburg in 2019, American rapper GoldLink brought his electric energy to ‘Once Upon a Time in Joburg’ this June. After the success of his 2017 mega hit ‘Crew’, he dropped his second album ‘Diaspora’ and blew us away. His loyal fans were blessed by that signature GoldLink swagger on stage, as the hits kept coming. After so many years, it’s incredible to see people truly immerse themselves in good music, whether old or new. For the most part, South Africans do this very well.
9. Sasha Keable
Also on the ‘Once Upon a Time in Joburg’ lineup was UK singer Sasha Keable, whose raspy R&B vocals hit all the right notes. As South Africa’s newness obsession with the South London soul music landscape, Sasha sings to the soul. Although it is a small market in comparison, R&B has a cult following in South Africa. As local R&B stars sharpen their tools for the big stage, it’s great to know that talent like Sasha gets the well-deserved recognition. Her performance was a reminder that intimacy and power can coexist beautifully on a festival stage.
From house to hip-hop, R&B to alt-soul, 2025 has already shown that South African audiences are not only ready for a global music moment — they are the moment. Therefore, artists aren’t just visiting; they’re connecting. They’re returning. They’re raving about the energy, the crowd, the vibe. As more names get added to the calendar in the second half of the year, one thing’s clear: South Africa isn’t just a dot on the tour map anymore — we’re the destination.
