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UK rap powerhouse Dave announces first-ever South African tour dates

UK rap sensation Dave brings his The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour to Pretoria and Cape Town this October, marking his long-awaited South African debut.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
Santandave
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"Santan" season has officially arrived! In a massive win for the local hip-hop scene, Big Concerts has confirmed that British rap phenom Dave, also known as Santandave, will be making his South African debut this October as part of his critically acclaimed 'The Boy Who Played the Harp' tour.

At just 27, Dave (born David Orobosa Michael Omoregie) has already cemented his status as a generational talent. He recently made history as the first UK rap artist to debut three consecutive albums at Number 1, and now he’s bringing that record-breaking energy to our shores for two exclusive arena dates.

Dave’s arrival is more than just another international tour stop; it’s a cultural moment. Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern rap, he has redefined the genre with introspective lyricism and politically charged storytelling, earning critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase.

Tour dates and venues

Johannesburg fans will need to make the short trip to Pretoria on Saturday, 3 October 2026, while the Mother City gets its own dedicated night of bars and piano-led poetry on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at Grand Arena, GrandWest.

Ticket details and presales

Demand is expected to be sky-high, so synchronise your watches. Tickets will be released in three distinct phases:

  • 25 March (9 am): Mastercard presale opens for Mastercard cardholders, running until 27 March at 8:59 am
  • 26 March (9 am): Big Concerts Fan Club presale begins
  • 27 March (9 am): General sale opens via Ticketmaster South Africa and Big Concerts

World and World Elite Mastercard holders will also have access to a limited allocation of premium tickets from the start of general sales.

With Dave’s reputation for electrifying live performances, and this being his debut South African visit, The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest live music events on the 2026 calendar.

If you’ve been waiting to see one of the UK’s most important rap exports live, this is your moment.

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