The 2024 touring calendar once again confirms a busy lineup of international concerts in Johannesburg and Pretoria not to be missed. You can anticipate artists of all stripes taking centre stage everywhere from stadium shows to intimate local gigs. Read on for What’s on in Joburg’s roundup of all the biggest tours and concerts in Johannesburg this year.
January 2024
Lalah Hathaway
Five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter and producer, Lalah Hathaway is bringing her enigmatic charisma for an intimate and soul-stirring evening concert in Johannesburg. With a voice transcending genres, the Chicago native effortlessly glides through timeless R&B and jazz songs while leaving an indelible mark on every note. She has collaborated with today’s top hitmakers, including Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Anderson Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg and Esperanza Spalding.
Cost: From R650pp to .R1500pp Book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 19 January from 8pm
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino, Teatro Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg
February 2024
Maroon 5, Keane and Meduza at Calabash South Africa
Calabash is one of South Africa’s biggest summer concerts in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This year the show will be headlined by chart-topping Grammy Award-winning pop-rock royalty Maroon 5.
Keane also forms part of the lineup as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed debut album, together with the most significant global streaming Italian artist in the history of music Meduza, and the chart-topping pop sensation Ava Max – all for the very first time in South Africa.
The line-up at this family-friendly music festival also features local artists and bands such as Will Linley, Lloyiso, Timo ODV (Joburg), and Sunset Sweatshop (Cape Town).
Cost: From R230pp to R2740pp. VIP Packages from R3465pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 3 February from 3pm
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg
An Evening with Eckhard Tolle
New York Times Best-Selling Author and one of the world’s leading spiritual teachers Eckhart Tolle is in Pretoria a 1-night mindfulness gathering that points you to spiritual awakening and the transformation of consciousness. With his hallmark warmth, humour and compassion, this evening will connect you with the peace and serenity that arises from living in the moment.
Eckhart’s teachings focus on the significance and power of Presence, the awakened state of consciousness, which transcends ego and discursive thinking. The author has done some extensive work with Oprah Winfrey.
Cost: From R725pp to R3000pp. Book via TicketPro
When: Thursday, 8 February from 7pm
Where: Heartfelt Arena, 1000 Voortrekker Rd, Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria
Milky Chance
The German indie-pop duo is extremely excited for their return to South Africa and the tour has a special reveal as well. ‘It’s been way too long since we were over in SA. Back then it was so special for so many reasons and we really felt welcomed by the people,’ explains Philipp Dausch from Milky Chance. ‘We have plenty of new music since our last visit that we want to share and we grew into the live band we always wanted to be. We can’t wait to play for the people in SA.’’
Milky Chance originated in Kassel, Germany, where childhood friends Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch formed the band and rose to fame with their breakout folk/electronic hit “Stolen Dance” which reached #1 on the charts, was certified platinum in multiple countries and became one of the most Shazamed songs of all time.
Cost: From R595pp. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 17 February from 11am to 7pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Deacon Blue World Tour
Breakout Events is hosting Deacon Blue for a one-night-only show in Emmarentia on 24 February 2024. ‘We are excited to announce our first ever shows in South Africa, it’s a country that we have wanted to get to for many years and these shows, both outdoors in beautiful parks, will be really special,’ says Ricky Ross, lead singer of Deacon Blue.
This multi-platinum pop/rock band started during the aftermath of the post-punk era and made their mark in the mid-’80s. The band have always thrived onstage and looks set to vow local crowds with a selection of their hits.
Cost: R695pp for General Access and R1095pp for VIP Access, book via Howler
When: Saturday, 24 February 2024 from 12pm to 8pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Find out all you need to know about Deacon Blue’s Johannesburg tour!
Xavier Rudd
With a career spanning over two decades, renowned Australian roots musician Xavier Rudd has established himself as a unique and compelling force in the world of roots music.
Rooted in his deep connection to the earth and his ancestral lines, his songs celebrate community, culture, and the human connection to the planet. His tenth album, Jan Juc Moon, marked by the poignant single “Stoney Creek,” reflects his deep connection to nature and the world around him. Rudd returns to South Africa for tours in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Cost: From R595pp. Book via Howler
When: Sunday, 25 February from 11am to 6:30pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
March 2024
Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny
Jimmy Carr, the UK’s funniest comedian, is coming to Pretoria for his much-anticipated world tour. Carr delivered the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021 and is back on the road with brand new material. His show features jokes about all kinds of terrible things, and beware that ‘having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo.’ Carr is famous for his dark humour and one-line jokes.
Cost: From R800pp to R3085pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 2 March from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
April 2024
OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
Hot off the heels of their recent announcement of their forthcoming new studio album, synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) confirmed their South Africa tour dates including Saturday, 20 April 2024 in Johannesburg.
Their new album sees the band’s most explicitly political record and the crowning achievement of their desire to be both Stockhausen and Abba. A broad, electronic, sonic masterpiece that lyrically tackles the topics of the future, it was predominantly written, recorded, and mixed by OMD frontman Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys (who has recently become a second-time father).
Cost: From R795pp. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 20 April from 1pm to 8pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour
Australian Comedian, Jim Jefferies is bringing his Give ‘Em What They Want” tour to South Africa for two shows only in April 2024.
This Sydney native is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging, and thought-provoking comedy. Jim was honoured as Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the Just for Laughs Festival in summer 2019. Jim’s latest show, Give ‘Em What They Want Tour, started at the end of 2022 with dates all around Asia, Europe and North America.
Cost: From R795pp to R3080pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 13 April from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Joe Thomas: Magic Music Sessions
Vertex Events confirmed that legendary R&B Singer, Songwriter and Producer, Joe Thomas, will be in South Africa in April to perform for one night only at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
The singer built up an undeniably impressive catalogue throughout the years, and ticketholders are set to be serenaded with all-time favourites and classics such as ‘I Wanna Know’, ‘All That I Am’, ‘Good Girls’, ‘Don’t Wanna Be A Player’, ‘All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do)’, ‘Stutter’, More & More’, ‘If I Was Your Man’ and ‘Thank God I Found You’.
Cost: From R650pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Sun City Superbowl – Saturday, 27 April from 6pm . Sunbet Arena – Tuesday, 30 April from 6pm
Where: Sun City Superbowl, R556, Sun City, North West | SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
May 2024
Train
One of the must-see concerts in Johannesburg is the multi-GRAMMY Award-winning band TRAIN, who brings their ‘I Know, It’s Been A Long Time Coming Tour’ to South Africa for the first time ever.
Since their formation in 1994, the American band has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, 13 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, and has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide. The band’s global hit ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ continues to reach new milestones.
‘After 25 years of releasing Train’s first album, we are finally going to South Africa, a place we’ve all dreamt of since we were little kids,’ says Train frontman Pat Monahan.
Cost: From R795pp. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 11 May from 1pm to 8pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
June 2024
Thomas Anders of Modern Talking
Famed for his iconic contributions to German pop duo Modern Talking, Thomas Anders is set to embark on an exhilarating music tour in South Africa in 2024. His career spans 40 years and a remarkable legacy in the music industry. Anders will showcase his timeless hits like ‘You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul’ which reached No.1 in 81 countries. Worldwide CD sales of Modern Talking and Thomas Anders’ solo works have now topped the 125 million mark. The concert is supported by Afrikaans pop star, Kurt Darren.
Cost: From R595pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 8 June from 6pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
July 2024
Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck is famous for his velvety smooth voice and captivating stage presence. His beautiful songs continue to resonate with audiences around the globe decades after they were released; he’s arguably one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. It’s not just the voice, but the man who wins audiences over – with his endearing sense of humour and self-deprecating jokes. Engelbert has even struck a chord with a younger generation, appearing on MTV several times.
Humperdinck exploded onto the music scene along with The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley. The Pretoria leg of his ‘Last Waltz’ tour takes place at the SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino, a state-of-the-art indoor venue seating 8500 people. The venue has hosted numerous famous live music acts to great acclaim, so audiences can look forward to top-notch sound, food, and amenities. A Cape Town concert will take place on Sunday, 14 July 2024 at GrandWest’s Grand Arena.
Cost: R495pp – R1495pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 12 July from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
See all you need to know about Engelbert Humperdinck’s Farewell tour
September 2024
James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour
James Blunt will be touring South Africa next year in support of his brilliant new album Who We Used To Be. James and his band will play on Saturday 14 September at SunBet Arena, Time Square. ‘I cannot find the words to say how excited I am to get back out on the road again on tour in 2024,’ says James. ‘My new album was incredibly fun to write and record, and some of the new songs will undoubtedly get you up on your feet and dancing again. I’m looking forward to crowd surfing at a venue near you!’
Cost: From R855pp to R2135. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 14 September from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Janet Jackson and Jill Scott for DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival
The annual DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival is ringing in its 11th year with a spectacular celebration of exciting performances, good food, and a great vibe. This music festival in Johannesburg is all about uniting people of all cultures and backgrounds through their mutual enjoyment of music and food.
This year, Janet Jackson will headline the concert lineup on Saturday, 21 September. Joburgers can experience the mellow sounds of Jill Scott up close on Sunday, 22 September for DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival. Jill Scott is all about soulful vibes and powerhouse vocals.
Cost: R1,050pp to R3,250pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 21 September and Sunday, 22 September
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Cnr R55 &, Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
October 2024
Snoh Aalegra And Ayra Starr
After the overwhelming public demand, Steyn Entertainment just announced an electrifying one-night-only ‘In The City’ show headlined by international sensation, Roc Nation’s Snoh Aalegra and supported by Grammy Nominated Afrobeat star Ayra Starr. This is one of the most anticipated concerts in Johannesburg and is hosted by Steyn Entertainment and Flying Fish.
Cost: General tickets – R1199pp. VIP tickets – R1699pp. Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 6 October, from 12pm to 10pm
Where: Fourways, Johannesburg. Venue details to be released
Take That: This Life on Tour
The multi-award-winning and smash hit makers, Take That, bring their ‘This Life On Tour’ to South Africa in 2024. Take That are renowned for their huge productions and live shows. The band are responsible for hits like ‘Back for Good’, ‘Patience’, ‘Never Forget’, and much more. This is also where Robbie Williams got his start in the music business, before venturing into a successful solo career of his own.
The band are performing their newly released album, ‘This Life’ on the tour. The album is described as a vibrant body of work with the, now trio, at their most confident musically. Join Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald as they welcome audiences to enjoy live performances of their latest work.
Cost: R855 – R1 535+pp, book via Ticketmaster.
When: 20 Oct, from 7.30pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
