The 2025 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 and Pretoria.
Jordan Rakei
Talented producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei, brings his soulful sound to Johannesburg following the release of his most recent album in early 2024. His fifth studio album, ‘The Loop’, is a profound exploration of self and sound, showcasing Rakei’s evolution as an artist. From the lush, orchestral arrangements to the deep, groovy beats that underpin his signature style, the album is a testament to his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary music.
This tour is not just a celebration of Rakei’s latest work, but also a chance for fans to experience his music in one of the most beautiful settings South Africa has to offer. His Johannesburg show is staged in accompaniment with English singer-songwriter, JP Cooper.
Cost: R595pp to R695pp, book via Howler
When: Saturday, 30 November 2024 from 1pm to 7.30pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Randburg
Kool & the Gang with the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience
Big Concerts presents two-time Grammy Award-winning, and platinum hit makers, Kool & the Gang, on tour in South Africa this 2024. Catch them live with special guests from the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay. Enjoy a night of old school melody presented to you by the artists responsible for hits like ‘Celebration’, ‘Get Down on It’, ‘Let’s go Dancing’ and ‘Cherish’. Witness the magic that resulted in Kool & the Gang receiving 25 Top Ten R&B hits, 9 Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums.
The supporting act, The Earth, Wind and Fire Experience, is conceived and rehearsed by Al McKay, former member of the renowned Earth, Wind and Fire group. Performing alongside McKay is another former band member, Greg Moore, and other talents such as Tim Owens, DeVere Duckett, and Claude Woods.
Cost: R895pp to R3 320pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 30 November from 7.45pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
December 2024
JP Cooper
The acclaimed British singer-songwriter’s debut studio album ‘Raised Under Grey Skies,’ included the global hit ‘September Song’, and his sophomore album, ‘She,’ introduced him as an artist of great depth with a voice and songs to match. Now, he takes his talent on the road.
In addition to headline shows in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, JP also returns to South African shores for one of the unforgettable concerts in Johannesburg to remind audiences why he has managed to achieve an incredible 1.5 million Global album sales and an extraordinary 5.5 billion total global streams. 2024 promises to be the Manchester-born troubadour’s most exciting year.
Cost: From R495pp, book via Howler
When: Sunday, 1 December from 3pm to 7.30pm
Where: Marks Park Fields, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Randburg
Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls’ tour of South Africa includes an unforgettable evening at the Voorttrekker Monument. This multi-platinum-award-winning rock group holds the record for Most Top 10 Singles ever. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, the band – formed in 1986 – includes guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist Robby Takac.
This concert takes place at the historical Voortrekker Monument and is a magical experience with a string of smash hits including ‘Iris’, ‘Slide’, and ‘Name’. Ross Learmonth, Matthew Mole and Roan Ash join the lineup.
Cost: R845pp to R1 220pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 7 December from 4pm
Where: Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Road, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria
Tyla Homecoming Tour
Grammy-winning South African superstar, Tyla returns home with a two city South African tour in partnership with Vodacom. From dream-filled beginnings, Tyla has become one of the greatest success stories to come out of South Africa. Known best for her viral award-winning track ‘Water’, the exceptionally talented Tyla continues to break records across the globe during her breakout year.
Together with leading local promoters Anything Goes and Showtime Management, presented in association with KFM 94.5 and 947, the global popstar is set to thrill fans with her first local tour since her meteoric rise to global stardom.
Cost: From R500pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 7 December from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Read more about the show here
Chris Brown
R&B megastar, Chris Brown, makes his long-awaited return to South Africa for one live concert. Presented by Big Concerts and Y, the Live in Johannesburg, the ‘Breezy in South Africa’ concert is set to take place at the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Brown has claimed widespread success for his singing and dancing abilities, as well as his stage presence, and this concert marks the artist’s first performance in the country in nearly a decade, promising fans an evening filled with the chart-topping hits and electrifying performances he has become known for.
Cost: Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 14 December from 7pm
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Read more about the show here
January 2025
Kayatranada
Canadian-born, Grammy Award-Winning producer and DJ, Kaytranada, headlines the very first Milk & Cookies Festival in South Africa.
The music producer is making two stops in South Africa with Milk & Cookies, starting the 2025 year off with a bang. The first stop is in Cape Town before he heads to Joburg to end his time in Mzansi.
Fans get the opportunity of a lifetime to see the mind behind some of the biggest dance songs of the late 2010s live. Kaytranada is responsible for hit tracks such as ‘Be Your Girl’, ‘Intimidated’ and the popular dance and electronic album ‘99.9%’ that shot him to fame with tracks like ‘YOU’RE THE ONE’ and ‘LEAVE ME ALONE’.
Cost: From R550 (general admission) | From R900pp (VIP) | Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 11 January from 2pm
Where: Old Park Station, 140 Carr St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Green Day Live at Calabash
Despite British pop icon Robbie Williams having to, unfortunately, pull out of Calabash this year, American rock band Green Day make a historic debut in South Africa to headline the concert. They perform alongside punk rock legends, The Offspring, and local favourites, Fokofpolisiekar. Witness the Grammy-winning trio with a three-decade legacy live as they set to captivate audiences with their anthemic hits like ‘Basket Case’, ‘American Idiot’, and more.
Cost: R630pp to R3 295pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: 19 January from 6pm
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Keyshia Cole
Iconic American singer-songwriter, Keyshia Cole, brings her sultry sound to South African stages to kick off the new year.
Throughout her illustrious career, Keyshia Cole has captivated audiences with her relatable lyrics and soul-stirring voice. From the heart-wrenching ‘Let It Go’ to the empowering ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, along with other hits such as ‘Last Night’, ‘Heaven Sent’, and ‘Love’, her music continues to resonate with fans everywhere.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the highly decorated, Grammy nominated star belting her biggest hits live in Pretoria.
Cost: R690pp to R1 590pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Friday, 24 January from 6pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Robbie Williams
After, unfortunately, having to pull out of the Johannesburg Calabash concert due to scheduling conflicts, British mega-star Robbie Williams announces two solo concert dates for his Gauteng-based fans.
With an impressive track record including six of the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history, a staggering 80 million album sales worldwide, and an incredible 14 Number 1 singles, Robbie Williams has solidified his place in music history with a record-breaking 18 BRIT Awards – more than any other artist.
Don’t miss out on this second-chance opportunity to see the popstar’s star power live in action in Pretoria.
Cost: TBC, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 25 January and Sunday, 26 January | Saturday from 9pm | Sunday from 7pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
February 2025
Mike + The Mechanics
Mike + The Mechanics bring their ‘Looking Back – Living The Years 2025 Tour’ to South Africa following the tremendous success of the ‘Refuelled! Tour’ in 2023.
The tour kicks off in Cape Town before heading to Pretoria with unforgettable hits including ‘Over My Shoulder’, ‘The Living Years’ and ‘All I Need Is A Miracle’ as well as a drift into some much-loved classic tracks from the English rock band, Genesis, of which band founder, Mike Rutherford was also a part. Mike features on guitar alongside Tom Howar on vocals and Andrew Roachford on keyboard in this once-in-a-lifetime live music experience.
Cost: R915pp to R3 085pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 1 February from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Hollow Coves
Internationally acclaimed indie-folk band hailing from Australia, Hollow Coves, head to South Africa for live concerts as part of their ‘Nothing to Lose’ Tour.
The ‘Nothing to Lose’ Tour is in support of the band’s latest album by the same name. This three-city tour sees the talented muso duo bring their organic sound to some of the country’s most iconic outdoor venues, creating an unforgettable experience for fans across the country.
Their Johannesburg performance forms a part of the On the Lawns event which also features performances by Matthew Mole and Amistat. The lush green expanses of Marks Park in Emmarentia serve as the perfect venue, offering a serene and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the soulful sounds of Hollow Cove’s music.
Cost: From R445pp, book via Howler
When: Sunday, 16 February from 11am to 6pm
Where: Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Roxette
Roxette – Sweden’s second-best-selling music act after ABBA – is again hitting South African shores. Their top hits include ‘The Look’, ‘Listen to Your Heart’, ‘It Must Have Been Love, featured on the soundtrack of Pretty Woman, and ‘Joyride’. Other hugely popular hits of theirs include ‘Dressed for Success’, ‘Dangerous’, and ‘Fading Like a Flower’. Led by frontman, songwriter, and founder Per Gessle, the iconic Roxette band ignites the stage alongside the immensely talented Swedish singer and megastar Lena Philipsson.
This tour sees a live revival of a massive catalogue, all penned by Per Gessle. He takes the Roxette band back on stage to do what he loves the most: performing his songs live in front of a dedicated audience. The Roxette band consists of Christoffer Lundquist, Magnus Börjeson, Magnus ‘Norpan’ Eriksson, Dea Norberg and the original Roxette icons Clarence Öfwerman and Jonas Isacsson. It’s almost five years since Roxette lost Marie Fredriksson to cancer.
Cost: R800pp to R2 845pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Friday, 28 February from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
March 2025
Cigarettes After Sex: X’s World Tour
Cigarettes After Sex, one of the most globally accomplished acts across any genre, bring their X’s World Tour to South Africa in March 2025. During their run, they have managed to transition from a preeminent indie act to one of the most globally accomplished acts across the world.
In their latest musical chapter, they have moved away from the prior sonic touchstones of the ‘50s and ‘60s, finding themselves drawn to a ‘70s/’80s slow dance. Now, fans get to witness this new era in their artistry live.
Enjoy a night with the band responsible for indie classics such as ‘Apocalypse’ and ‘Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby’.
Cost: R685pp to R2 728pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Friday, 7 March from 9pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Sting 3.0 Tour
Multiple-award-winning international artist, Sting, shakes things up with the launch of his 3.0 Tour, which features two stops in South Africa, finishing in Cape Town.
Sting is accompanied on tour by virtuoso guitarist and longtime collaborator, Dominic Miller, and dynamic drummer Chris Maas (Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers). With their support, the groundbreaking solo artist and former front man in the seminal group, The Police, performs some of the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography for his adoring South African fans.
Book tickets for the tour and bear witness to a new dynamic era for the star, showcasing selections from his vast catalogue through the urgent lens of a tight three-piece combo.
Cost: R1 140pp to R4 740pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 22 March from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
James Bay
Internationally acclaimed and multi-Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, James Bay embarks on a highly anticipated tour across South Africa.
With his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, Bay has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for hits like ‘Hold Back the River’ and ‘Let It Go’, he combines folk, rock, and pop elements, creating a sound that resonates deeply with listeners. This tour marks Bay’s first visit to South Africa, and he is excited to connect with his dedicated fan base in Mzansi.
James brings his soulful melodies and electrifying performances to fans in Joburg. The South African tour features a mix of new tracks from his latest album, along with beloved classics. The performance promises to be an intimate experience, showcasing Bay’s incredible talent and emotional depth.
Cost: From R895pp | R1 395pp (VIP) | Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 29 March from 1pm to 8pm | Gates open at 12pm
Where: Marks Park Sports Club, Orange Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
The Pointer Sisters ‘I’m So Excited” World Tour
The iconic Pointer Sisters are bringing their ‘I’m So Excited’ World Tour to South Africa, lighting up Cape Town and Pretoria with two unmissable performances in March 2025. Catch this legendary trio – Ruth Pointer, her daughter Issa, and granddaughter Sadako – as they take the stage for a show packed with energy, family chemistry, and nostalgia.
Book your tickets now, and get ready to dance to the legendary hits that have been the soundtrack of decades. The tour starts off in Cape Town before they head to Gauteng for a show in Pretoria on 30 March 2025. The concert will also feature exciting opening acts. the vibrant trio 3 Tons of Fun will kick off the night with their energetic and soulful sound, setting the perfect tone. Following them, multi-talented entertainer Emo Adams will take the stage, bringing his charisma and charm to keep audiences on their feet.
Cost: R494pp to R1495pp | Tickets available via Quicket
When: Sunday, 30 March 2025 at 7pm
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
April 2025
Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli, one of the finest classical artists of our generation, graces stages in Pretoria and Cape Town in 2025.
The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra join Andrea Bocelli in Pretoria. This collaboration promises to showcase the harmonious blend of Bocelli’s iconic voice with the symphonic prowess of these esteemed local musicians.
Prepare for an exceptional musical journey as Bocelli shares his universal talent, accompanied by a special guest artist, a soprano, a magnificent 60-piece choir, and a majestic 69-piece orchestra.
Cost: R1 935pp to R5 160pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 12 April and Sunday, 13 April from 8pm (doors open 6pm)
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
