Mamasamba in Rosebank Johannesburg is turning up the heat this summer with Carnaval, highlighting Latin American street food and themed live music events. Experience Chef Marc Robert’s spotlight on Latin American street food alongside a show-stopping lineup of Latin house, Afro-Latin techno beats, and world-class acts like Mi Casa, Ricardo Da Costa, and El Cantante. Their Rio-inspired Carnaval celebrations need to be on your list of things to do for the next few weekends.
Weekend Two: El Cantante, Lady Lea, Changing Roots, Si’Noir & more
El Cantante is joining Carnaval at Mamasamba’s lineup on Sunday at 2pm with more traditional – but equally exciting – signature tunes. The enchanting combination of a Nuyorican vocalist, surf rock guitarist, and world music percussionist makes for music you simply have to move to, while being moved. This Spanish Latin roots trio blends the rhythms and harmonies of bolero, rumba, salsa, mambo, and folklorica, highlighting traditional favourites from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and others.
South African DJ royalty Lady Lea is coming in steaming on Friday night with a colourful combination of sounds to shake up the dance feels on Friday, while Saturday sees DJ Si’Noir spinning a fusion of new and old school house music, with deep house and more.
Cost: No cover charge. Pop in and enjoy their Carnaval menu and Cocteles. Book or reserve your table through mamasamba.co.za
When: Thursday, 22 February to Sunday, 25 February. Daily, from 2pm till late
Where: Mamasamba Restaurant, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Weekend Three: Mi Casa, Kopano Jazz Collective & more funky beats
The final weekend of Carnaval at Mamasamba’s live music events comes to a crescendo, with some of the country’s top bands and performers. Expect live samba dancers with authentic costumes from Brazil, enticing street food including tacos and paella, and showstopping decor that will transport you to Rio.
Mi Casa has become a household name in South Africa for good reason. With their multiple chart-topping radio hits, international packed-out performances, numerous SAMA nominations, and collabs, the trio has become instantly recognisable and hugely popular for their unique vibey jazz-pop sounds. Catch them live at Mamasamba on Thursday, 29 February at 9pm, with JayEm and Chad Daniels as the opening acts.
Ease into Sunday with Kopano Jazz Collective, Joburg’s most popular jazz band. Indulge in smooth sips and even smoother sounds and experience jazz in the jungle
To see the full artist lineup, click here!
Cost: No cover charge for upcoming Carnaval dates | Mi Casa performance – Bookings are required with a minimum spend of R1000 per person for the booths; and a minimum spend of R750 per person for cocktail tables. Book or reserve your table through mamasamba.co.za
When: Thursday, 29 February to Sunday, 3 March. Daily, from 2pm till late
Where: Mamasamba Restaurant, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
What to sip and savour at Carnaval at Mamasamba
Mamasamba has two impossibly stylish levels of food, music, smashing cocktails and maximalist interior design from the team who brought you Proud Mary and Fugazzi. Ascend the captivating spiral staircase, journey through the lively cocktail bar, and enter our supper club lounge.
Here, dine to the rhythms of Samba, enjoying a unique perspective of Rosebank Square. The Gorilla bar offers a delightful selection of sipping rums, tequilas, and exquisite cocktails. As night falls, step out onto the enchanting jungle terrace, where live acts transform the evening into a memorable experience.
Expect fiery dining that has turned the spot into one of Joburg’s hottest jewels in the late-night eatery scene, with samba-style sharing dishes, a selection of small plates and Peruvian-style sushi flying off the pass.
Website: mamasamba.co.za
Tel: 010 110 0313
Instagram: @mamasamba
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id
