The highly anticipated WAV Festival is officially returning to South Africa in January 2027. Following a successful debut, the event is expanding its footprint for its sophomore edition, bringing the ultimate celebration of R&B to both Cape Town and Pretoria for one massive weekend.
Headlining both dates are two massive international R&B favorites: Ty Dolla $ign and KWN. With a vast catalog spanning R&B, hip-hop, and pop – alongside collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry – Ty Dolla $ign has firmly established himself as one of contemporary music’s most recognizable voices.
Joining him is British R&B artist KWN, whose emotionally charged sound and distinctive approach have quickly made her one of the most exciting new voices in the United Kingdom. Together, their performances will set the perfect tone for a festival that honors the roots of R&B while looking toward its future.
Who else will be at WAV?
Returning to Cape Town on Saturday, 2 January 2027, WAV welcomes an eclectic line-up featuring South African music icons Mafikizolo, who will bring their legendary catalogue to the festival, alongside Lordkez, WizTheMc, Lusanda, Thando Zide and Xowie.
The Cape Town experience will also feature special guest DJ sets from TXC and Juls, with DJ Loyd and Sir Vincent adding to the sounds of a summer celebration shaped by R&B, African music and global influences.
On Sunday, 3 January 2027, WAV makes its highly anticipated Pretoria debut at SunBet Arena, bringing the festival’s signature sound to a new city. Joining Ty Dolla $ign and KWN on the Pretoria line-up are Lordkez, Lusanda and Xowie, adding a distinctly local dimension to a weekend dedicated to the evolving sound of R&B.
From the timeless appeal of Mafikizolo to the contemporary sounds of Lordkez and Xowie, and the genre-blending DJ sets of TXC and Juls, the line-up reflects WAV’s commitment to celebrating the different sounds, styles and generations shaping today’s music landscape.
WAV Festival is a Celebration of Culture and Connection
Founded by Africa Creative Agency, the festival is much more than just a music event. It sits at the vibrant intersection of music, culture, fashion, and connection, bringing global sounds into a broader conversation with African creativity. To elevate the experience, the event has partnered with Bernini as its official cider, beer, and ready-to-drink sponsor, introducing the exclusive Bernini Golden Circle across both cities.
According to Colin Gayle, CEO of Africa Creative Agency, expanding to Pretoria allows the event to reach even more fans. He notes that having Ty Dolla $ign and KWN lead the lineup perfectly reflects where contemporary R&B is today, highlighting the crucial role Africa continues to play in shaping its future.
WAV Festival Tour Dates and Ticketing Information
Following its Cape Town debut in 2026, audiences now have two opportunities to experience the festival. Tickets officially went on sale on 6 October 2026. Fans are encouraged to follow the official WAV Festival social media pages on Instagram and TikTok for the latest announcements as the countdown begins.
Event Details:
- Cape Town: Saturday, 2 January 2027. Tickets are available via Howler.
- Pretoria: Sunday, 3 January 2027 at SunBet Arena. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
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