Mzansi’s new year has started with a bang, with several concerts having taken place, headlined by international artists.
Johannesburg came alive as Afrobeats superstar Asake performed in South Africa for the very first time. Despite Mr Money, as fans affectionately call him, taking to the stage later than scheduled, he ensured to give fans a performance worth the wait.
Organised by AfroFuture’s newest live experience platform, Curated By Culture (CBC), the landmark concert took place at the Goldrush Dome, marking a major cultural moment for African music.
Fans were treated to a specially curated set featuring orchestral arrangements, the moving harmonies of the Soweto Choir, and surprise guest appearances by Focalistic and Young Jonn.
Asake made sure to perform all the fan favourite songs, which had everyone, including himself, dancing along. He even had a special moment when he handed out roses to the lucky women who were in the front.
The show also served as the closing chapter of Asake’s Africa tour.
On the other side of Gauteng, American platinum-selling R&B sensation and singer-songwriter, Mariah the Scientist, performed at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Her fans came out in their numbers to see her performance, presented by Vertex Events.
The concert was filled with performances from Hip-Hop royalty A-Reece to ‘Aweh’ hit maker Lordkez and much-loved R&B and Soul advocate Manana, who all ensured to elevate the evening.
Before dazzling the Pretoria and Johannesburg crowd, Mariah the Scientist had Cape Town singing word-for-word at the inaugural WAV Festival.
Returning to Mzansi, rapper and musician Wale was also on the WAV Festival lineup and dazzled the crowd. Wale topped things off by bringing out Odeal.
Odeal then went on to thrill audiences at Milk + Cookies Music Week 2026 festival in Cape Town on January 3, joining global acts like Gunna and Majid Jordan.
Milk + Cookies fest returned to South Africa for its second edition since launching in January 2025. The festival took place at the larger Hollywoodbets Kenilworth venue in Cape Town, delivering an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
However, not all were happy with numerous complaints about the sound being expressed on social media, and many are hoping that the Johannesburg concert on January 10 will not have the same errors.
All concerts were packed, a clear indication that South African music lovers are willing to pay to watch their favourite international artists perform, but they want to get their money’s worth. From top sound, production, screens to see the performance, a variety of vendors, access to toilets, and concerts to run on schedule, they want it all.
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