Johannesburg – Mayonie Open Air arrives in Durban for the first time on 29 August 2026, bringing a powerful celebration of Afrohouse, Afrotech and South Africa’s rich dance music culture.
Following a sold-out inaugural edition, the festival begins an exciting new chapter in KwaZulu-Natal, inviting music lovers to experience the sounds, stories and artists that have shaped one of South Africa’s most influential cultural movements.
Afrohouse is more than a genre. It is a living expression of South African innovation, identity and creativity a sound that has travelled from township dancefloors to some of the world’s biggest stages while remaining deeply rooted in African rhythm and culture.
Its journey began in the 1990s, when local pioneers including Oskido, Christos, Vinny Da Vinci and Glen Lewis helped establish a uniquely South African house music identity. Alongside them, kwaito icons such as Mdu, Arthur and Trompies infused the sound with local language, storytelling and street culture, laying the foundation for what would become Afrohouse.
Over the following decades, artists including Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Heavy K, Zakes Bantwini, Sun-El Musician, Da Capo and Shimza helped evolve the genre into a globally recognised movement. Today, a new generation led by Thakzin, Enoo Napa, Oscar Mbo, Kususa, Karyendasoul and others continues to push the sound forward, blending soulful African roots with cutting-edge electronic production.
Bringing Mayonie Open Air to Durban carries particular significance. KwaZulu-Natal has long been one of the country’s most important contributors to the growth of Afrohouse and Afrotech, producing globally recognised artists, producers and cultural movements that continue to shape the sound today.
“Mayonie Open Air is a gathering of generations. It brings together the pioneers who laid the foundation, the artists shaping the sound today and the visionaries who will define its future,” says Zakes Bantwini, Founder of Mayonie Open Air. Now, Durban becomes part of the story.
A city renowned for its creativity, energy and musical heritage, Durban provides the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates both legacy and progression.
Event Information
Date: 29 August 2026
Venue: Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga, Durban
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ticket Information
Tickets are available exclusively through Howler.