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If there’s one thing South Africa knows, it’s that Durban marches to the beat of its own drum.
We’ve never been a city to stick to one rhythm, and the result is an incredible fusion of styles and talents that gives Durban its incredibly unique sound.
Here traditional sounds meet electronic beats, underground movements become anthems, and a catchy chorus can turn just about any gathering into a dance floor.
There’s always someone at a Durban gathering who takes charge of the music. This summer, give them a queue that mixes the songs everyone wants to hear now with a few favourites that still get people out of their chairs.
Ahead of Heineken House Durban - which is taking place on 14 and 15 November 2026 at The Globe at Suncoast, we’ve picked eight tracks with strong KZN connections, from MaWhoo’s collaborations to Zee Nxumalo teaming up with Durban’s dance producers.
Start with the current favourites
‘Distance’ brings Zulu Queens, Lwah Ndlunkulu, MaWhoo and Feza together for the opening stretch. Follow it with Mthandeni SK and MaWhoo’s ‘Dubai’ for a maskandi singalong, then DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo and Young Stunna’s ‘Nayvee’s Prayer’.
MaWhoo, who hails from Eshowe, earns two appearances here, bringing her voice to both contemporary hits and maskandi.
Turn up the Durban collaborations
Zee Nxumalo joins Funky Qla and Dlala Thukzin on ‘Ngithathiwe’, before ‘Mali’ brings her together with Thukzin and Sykes.
Keep Thukzin in the queue with ‘iPlan’, featuring Zaba and Sykes. It’s our pick for when the afternoon catch-up starts turning into a night out.
Bring back the old favourites
Professor and Character’s ‘Imoto’ supplies the Durban kwaito nostalgia, while Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha’s ‘Wololo’ closes with gqom. Two older favourites worth keeping within reach when someone asks for a classic.
Keep the music going at Heineken House
Heineken House Durban Edition comes to The Globe at Suncoast on 14 and 15 November 2026, in collaboration with Spotify. Tickets cost R350 per day or R600 for the weekend.
Book your Heineken House Durban tickets on Howler
18+ only. Enjoy responsibly.
Catch Durban’s beats at Heineken House
Durban’s music scene truly has it all.
From the unmistakable pulse of gqom and kwaito to soulful house, hip-hop, acoustic favourites and traditional harmonies – there’s truly something for all tastes.
And while this playlist is a great place to start, there’s nothing quite like experiencing those sounds live.
You can catch some of Durban’s beats at the Heineken House event, where the city’s musical spirit takes centre stage.
This article is sponsored by Heineken
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