The biggest international acts heading to Cape Town this year

Isaiah Rashad Joel McClain fans were down for his headline act at Rocking the Daisies. Alas, the music festival was cancelled, and the disappointment was palpable.

But the U.S. rap superstar said, “Hold my beer,” and gave the people what they wanted. Now, he’s heading to The Ostrich on Saturday, 3 October, to wax lyrical on the In the City festival stage.

No doubt, he’ll perform tracks from his third studio album, ‘IT’S BEEN AWFUL’, released earlier this year. Hardcore fans will probably be waiting with bated breath for the opening chords of ‘Wat’s Wrong.’

The man doesn’t disappoint.

Those who were looking forward to the TDE rapper picking up the mic at Rocking the Daisies, our own homegrown talent YoungstaCPT will also take the stage.

Did I mention you get two for the price of one? Yes, Isaiah’s the headliner, but UK R&B sensation Sinead Harnett is coming along for the ride and good vibes.

I’ve heard her songs hit different when she’s live on stage. Imagine watching her sing the achingly haunting lyrics to ‘If You Let Me’. Bring along the tissues.

With a distinct R&B sound, Sinead takes the genre’s elements and steers them into new territory, especially around an acoustic arrangement. 

In the City details:

• Saturday, 3 October, noon - 11pm
• Venue: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
• Cost: From R599, bookings via Quicket

• Tuesday, 6 October, 8pm
• Venue: Grand Arena at GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park 
• Cost: From R685, bookings via Ticketmaster

When Ne-Yo came onto the scene, MTV TRL played ‘So Sick’ on repeat. That was in the early 2000s, when R&B was at its height. Every guy in the club came dressed to the nines in a crisp white shirt, waistcoat and fedora.

He’s had a two-decade career, and he still won’t quit. Luck for his fans. Yet, those concert tickets are selling at a steep price, even for a super fan. I guess it’s a case of “your money or your bond.”

Let’s hope he delivers the goods when taking to the Grand West Arena stage because a mediocre rendition of ‘Closer’ is not it. 

Fun fact about Ne-Yo: his stage name comes from Keanu Reeves’ character Neo in The Matrix. His producer thought he could write songs as fast as Neo could read code.

Ne-Yo Live in Cape Town tour details:

• Saturday, 17 October, 6pm
• Venue: GrandWest, Grand Arena, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park 
• Cost: R990 - R1890 (excl booking fees), bookings via Webtickets 

SWV’s ‘It’s About Time’ was the first cassette I ever owned. I played that album until some songs were so out of tune that they sounded like Michael Jackson calling from beyond the grave.

During the early 90s, R&B was at its wholesome stage, and most artists sang about falling in love, falling out of love, and falling for another love. The girl group understood the assignment and ran with it.

The same applies to Brian McKnight. His vocal range exceeds that of his peers, with ‘Back at One’ a prime example of his talent. Not only is Brian an exceptional singer, but he’s also easy on the eye.

If ladies love L.L., they adore Brian for his intense gaze and those lips. Oh, those lips.

It’s a triple whammy. All-4-One joins Brian McKnight and SWV on their Ultimate R&B Experience Tour. Because why make it a couple when you can have a throuple?

The R&B group dabbles in pop. Their most memorable track, ‘I Swear,’ rules the First Dance at weddings across the nation. Yep, Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez, and Tony Borowiak still have the Midas touch.

Ultimate R&B Experience Tour details:

• Wednesday, 28 October, 6pm
• Venue: GrandWest, Grand Arena, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park 
• Cost: R950 - R1,650, bookings via Webtickets

UK hardstyle DJ Phil Mackintosh is heading to Botanik Social House for a Halloween party for the books.

Phil will headline the annual Halloween masked ball with his electronic dance music mixes. Known for playing high-energy dance tracks, you’d better bring a change of clothes. 

With Botanik Social House and three dancefloors setting the mood, the performance has to be off the chains. Fresh off the international festival circuit, Phil brings the hard stuff; you bring the vibes.

Save the Rave Halloween feat. Phil Mackintosh details:

• Friday, 30 October, 8pm - 4am
• Venue: Botanik Social House, 54 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens 
• Cost: From R180, bookings via website

He may be engaged to a Dubai princess, but that hasn’t stopped French Montana from doing what he does best.

The Moroccan-American rapper has delivered hit after hit since debuting ‘Excuse My French’ in 2013. His collaborations are somewhat uncanny, yet they always break the charts.

The 2025 hit ‘No Days Off’ featuring Lara Trump was a massive bop, and his versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed. His most recent collab with D-Block Europe gave us ‘RICO’ and ‘Fully Loaded’.

In December, French will headline the inaugural AfroTrax festival at The Ostrich. Joining him are B.O.B and Cassper Nyovest.

AfroTrax festival details:

• Friday, 4 December, 2pm - midnight
• Venue: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
• Cost: R300, bookings via website

Cape Town’s appetite for world-class electronic music has spoken loud and clear. After tickets for Fatboy Slim’s first Mother City performance disappeared in record time, promoters have announced a second Cape Town show. It’s giving ‘90s electronic pop.

The Grammy Award-winning producer, born Norman Cook, will now perform at Cabo Beach on Wednesday, 16 December 2026, a day after his already sold-out show on 15 December. 

More info

• Fatboy Slim will perform live at Cabo Beach, Cape Town on Tuesday, 15 December and Wednesday, 16 December, 2026.
• Ticket prices start at R600; bookings via Howler
• No under-18s allowed

Our girl Tyla has included South Africa in her A*POP World Tour. Obviously. 

Just when we thought she’d take a break, she made the announcement, and Tygas couldn’t be happier. This follows the release of her sophomore album A*POP.

The 14-track project features hit singles including “CHANEL,” “IS IT,” “SHE DID IT AGAIN,” and “IS IT, LOVE.” Presented by Showtime and Anything Goes, the live production will blow concertgoers away. So be prepared to have your mind blown.

Tyla A*POP concert details:

• Monday, 4 January, 2027, 6pm - 11pm
• Venue: Green Point Track, Vlei Road, Green Point
• Cost: From R895, bookings via Howler