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If you blinked at the end of November, you may have missed one of the most exciting R&B announcements of the summer: Mariah the Scientist is coming to South Africa, and she’s doing one night only just outside Joburg.
The American singer-songwriter will take to the stage at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria this weekend, kicking off the new year with what promises to be a deeply emotive, high-impact R&B performance.
Who is Mariah the Scientist?
Born Mariah Buckles, Mariah the Scientist has carved out a lane that sits somewhere between classic R&B vulnerability and modern, confessional songwriting. Her music is intimate, emotionally sharp and often devastating in the best way, the kind of songs that sit with you long after the chorus ends (cue dramatic stare into the middle distance).
She first gained traction with tracks like Spread Thin and Beetlejuice, but it was her recent album, Hearts Sold Separately, that cemented her place as a Billboard-topping artist. Her sound leans into stripped-back production, poetic lyrics and an almost candid honesty about love, loss and self-worth, a combination that’s earned her a fiercely loyal global fanbase and more than three million Instagram followers.
If you’re into artists like SZA, Summer Walker, or Jhené Aiko, Mariah’s music will feel instantly familiar, but distinctly her own.
Why you should go to this show
If you’re wondering whether or not the show is worth the short drive out to Pretoria, the answer is a resounding yes! This is Mariah the Scientist’s first-ever tour to South Africa, making this single-date performance particularly significant. Plus, R&B is in its revival era, the online response to Kehlani’s “Folded”, the volume of R&B-focused events held in Johannesburg and the number of notable R&B singers who have graced our shores this year are a testament to that.
But seriously, rather than a festival slot (she headlines WAV Festival in Cape Town on the 2nd) or a short appearance, this is a curated headline show, giving fans the chance to experience her entire catalogue in an arena setting.
The supporting lineup is also exciting and spotlights some of South Africa’s most respected voices, including A-Reece, who has long been regarded as one of local hip-hop’s most thoughtful lyricists; Lordkez of Aweh fame; and Manana, a key figure in the country’s R&B and soul scene.
The details you need to know
When: Saturday, 3 January 2026. Gates open at 4 pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Pretoria
Tickets: Available via Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores nationwide, starting at R690.
If you’re looking for a show that trades spectacle for soul and want to start 2026 with a soundtrack that hits a little deeper, this is one worth adding to your calendar, but hurry - the show is in three days!
Also read: Best New Year's Eve parties in Johannesburg
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