Catch them if you can: The Ndlovu Youth Choir returns to Joburg this July

South Africa’s favourite vocal powerhouse is officially coming home to Johannesburg. After kicking off their national tour with a completely sold-out run in Cape Town, the Ndlovu Youth Choir is headed back to the Montecasino Teatro this July for just six exclusive performances, and you’ll want to grab your seats before they pack their bags for Europe.

Immediately after wrapping up their Johannesburg dates, the choir is jetting off to Scotland to make their highly anticipated debut at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival.

Joburg audiences get the ultimate privilege of witnessing their award-winning, high-energy stage show right here in the city before it takes the international stage by storm.

From Miriam Makeba to Amapiano medleys

If you’ve never seen the Ndlovu Youth Choir live, expect an electrifying theatrical experience. Backed by a live three-piece band, the 15 choristers bring a signature blend of flawless vocal harmonies, pulsing choreography, and pure, infectious joy.

This year, founder and conductor Ralf Schmitt has designed a setlist that celebrates the massive diversity of local music styles. Audiences will get a taste of everything from traditional Cape Town Ghoema music and gospel to hits by local legends like Miriam Makeba, Johnny Clegg, and Mango Groove. There is even a massive Amapiano medley in the mix, alongside global anthems like Circle of Life, Waka Waka, and their famous rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, which was personally endorsed by Queen’s own drummer, Roger Taylor.

Essential details

The Joburg run is short and sweet, taking place from Thursday, 30 July to Sunday, 02 August 2026 at the Teatro at Montecasino in Fourways.

• Thursday, 30 July: 7:30 pm
• Friday, 31 July: 7:30 pm
• Saturday, 01 August: 3 pm & 7:30 pm
• Sunday, 02 August: 2 pm & 6 pm

Tickets range from R200 to R500 and are available via Ticketmaster and Showtime Management. 

How to snag a discount

If you want to save some cash, timing is everything. Keep these two booking hacks in mind:

• The Youth Day Special: You can get a hefty 25% discount on tickets if you book between 15 June and 19 June 2026. This special rate applies specifically to the opening night (Thursday, 30 July at 7:30 pm) and the final closing show (Sunday, 02 August at 6:00 pm).
• Group Bookings: Gathering a big crew? Groups of 20 or more get a 15% discount on the top two ticket tiers for the Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening performances.

The choir's local tours have completely sold out every single year since 2021, so do not wait until July to lock down your plans.