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Some of South Africa's genre-defining musical acts will be celebrating the legacy and impact of Nelson Mandela at a free show in the heart of London, England this weekend.
On Mandela Day (Saturday, 18 July), Scatterlings will take over the iconic Trafalgar Square from 12pm for a celebration of Tata Madiba and three decades of South Africa’s Constitution.
South African diaspora, UK African communities, Londoners and visitors from around the world are all invited for a powerful cultural gathering rooted in music, memory, belonging and shared humanity.
Who will be performing at Scatterlings in London?
Jesse Clegg, Sjava, Msaki, Sun-El Musician, Thakzin, Beatenberg and Sipho Mchunu are all set to gather on stage to showcase South African excellence, as well as to honour the legacy of not only Nelson Mandela, but those of musical legends Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu.
From Sjava’s distinctive voice and songwriting to Msaki’s genre-crossing sound, Sun-El Musician and Thakzin’s contemporary South African electronic music, Jesse Clegg’s connection to the musical legacy of Johnny Clegg, and Sipho Mchunu’s
foundational role in the original story of Scatterlings of Africa, the show will reflect the ever-evolving sound, identity and spirit of South Africa, its arts and people.
What else can visitors expect at Trafalgar Square?
For Londoners, this is a great chance to immerse themselves in South Africa's energy, creativity and cultural richness through music, food, storytelling, community and shared public celebration.
The setting matters, too. Trafalgar Square is a place of particular significance for South Africans. Long associated with gathering, protest, solidarity and freedom, it is also the symbolic site of anti-apartheid solidarity and where Nelson Mandela made one of his first public addresses to the world following his release from 27 years of imprisonment.
“Scatterlings is about connection between people, cultures, generations and histories. To bring this music and this message to Trafalgar Square on Nelson Mandela Day is incredibly meaningful. It is a moment for South Africans everywhere to gather, celebrate and feel proud, and for us to share our culture and remind ourselves of the importance of unity and communal
celebration,” Jesse Clegg shares.
Scatterlings in Johannesburg
You didn't think London would have all the fun, did you?
On 1 August 2026, Scatterlings is set to take place in Johannesburg at Huddle Park in Linksfield with an even bigger line-up of star names.
Zakes Bantwini, Sjava, Tresor, Simmy, Sun El, Msaki, Muzi, Jesse Clegg, J’Something, Zolani Mahola, Sminofu and more will all take to the stage to continue the London celebrations. It is also a chance for us to celebrate together through food, community, storytelling, activations and shared public experience.
Tickets for the show start from R350 and are available on WebTickets.
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