If you’re a US resident who’s never sampled South Africa, you’re really missing a treat. From Cape Town’s scenic beauty to Johannesburg’s buzzing culture and Durban’s beaches to the Kruger National Park’s world-class wildlife, the Rainbow Nation’s treasures promise the vacation of a lifetime.
However, South Africa is also a nation that’s wired for sound -genres like marabi, mbaqanga, gospel, pennywhistle jive and cape jazz are woven deeply into the country’s social history and inform the way it regards itself and the world.
And nowadays, as well as championing their own music, South Africans embrace music from across the globe and international as well as local artists love playing to discerning crowds there.
Which is all the more reason to combine your sightseeing on a South African holiday with taking in some of the world’s most exciting live music.
With that in mind, here are three music gigs worth flying from the USA to SA for in 2019.
1. Nasty C
South African rapper Nasty C is making waves in the USA and UK as well as in SA. This is thanks to a burgeoning social media following, interviews on Hot 97 FM and collaborations with the likes of Major Lazer.
And you can catch Nasty C live at Joburg’s Itsoseng Stadium on Friday 19th April 2019 where he’ll surely spit bars in trademark surefooted fashion.
If you want to groove to a genuine Sowetan’s take on hip-hop, don’t miss this event.
2. Sam Smith
Sam Smith became a global phenomenon with hits like “Palace”, “Stay with Me” and “Money on My Mind”. This was also thanks to chart-topping albums like “The Thrill of It All” and “In the Lonely Hour.”
The singer-songwriter is blessed with a soulful voice and rare songwriting talent. The great news is that you can see Sam Smith perform in SA at the sensational Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg.
Bag two tickets fast for one of these music gigs and get ready to spend an evening with someone special swaying to Sam’s renowned repertoire — it’ll be a night to remember.
3. Andrea Bocelli
If classical vibes are more your bag, there’s another massive concert on the horizon which should whet your appetite. Andrea Bocelli is performing two dates accompanied by the full force of a 140-piece orchestra and choir in South Africa.
The velvet-voiced tenor plays at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on 18 April and at Paarl’s Val De Vie Estate on the 22 April. He’ll be performing popular opera arias and will get the crowd going with crossover hits. Expect his recent smash hit “Fall on Me.”
Getting there
You’ll secure cheap flights to SA from major American airports on sites like Kayak.com and Skyscanner.net and find US airport parking on Looking4.com. There’s no excuse not to book your beats and bass-laced dream holiday sooner rather than later.
What South African music gigs are you looking forward to this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section, we’d love to hear from you.
Watch this space for updates in the Music category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
