Ultra South Africa marked a decade of dance music dominance this past weekend with two unforgettable shows, kicking off in Cape Town on Friday, May 9, before heading to Johannesburg for a spectacular grand finale on Saturday, May 10. Together, the events created an electrifying celebration of music, energy, and unity — the perfect tribute to 10 years of Ultra magic in South Africa.
Both cities turned out in force, with fans packing the venues from early afternoon until the final beat dropped at 2 a.m. As anticipated, Ultra South Africa’s 10th anniversary was nothing short of spectacular, delivering a world-class lineup of international and local talent.
Martin Garrix closed the festival with a career-spanning, high-energy set, highlighted by a jaw-dropping surprise appearance from American indie pop star Lauv and South Africa’s own Lloyiso. Trance legend Armin van Buuren kept the tempo sky-high, blending his massive hits with fresh tracks to create a euphoric experience that left fans breathless.
Making his South African debut, ISOxo unleashed his signature genre-bending sound, quickly cementing his reputation as one of the hottest rising stars in electronic music. Meanwhile, KSHMR delivered a showstopping set packed with local flavour, remixing iconic South African tracks like ‘Sister Bethina’, ‘Jerusalema’, ‘I Fink You Freeky’, and even ‘Nkalakatha’, igniting a powerful cultural crossover moment on the main stage.
On the darker side of the spectrum, the ever-evolving RESISTANCE stage provided a pulsating haven for underground music lovers. This year’s lineup delivered a masterclass in melodic techno, progressive house, and Afro-house, with global heavyweights like Mind Against and Massano captivating the crowd with hypnotic performances. South African titans Shimza and Culoe De Song took the stage with transcendent sets that fused Afro-tech and Afro-house into deeply spiritual journeys, reminding the world of South Africa’s rich influence on the global dance scene.
Cape Town’s celebration at The Ostrich set the weekend in motion, framed by the Western Cape’s stunning landscapes. The day featured standout sets from Dean Fuel B2B Kyle Cassim, Gil Glaze, Niskerone, and a powerhouse opening from MIA, showcasing the best of South African talent.
Johannesburg’s massive Ultra South Africa show at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, took things to the next level, adding two extra stages — The Groove Room and Clubhouse. Legends like Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, and Da Capo elevated the festivities even higher. The Groove Room, dedicated to South African electronic music and amapiano, was a highlight addition, with Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drawing massive crowds. Meanwhile, Clubhouse returned with unforgettable sets from Kasango, Shamiso, and Mpho.Wav, keeping the vibes alive deep into the night.
Across both cities, the weekend served as a powerful reminder of why Ultra South Africa has become a cornerstone of the country’s music culture — uniting fans through the beats that move them.
Ultra South Africa 2026 Dates Announced!
At the end of the Johannesburg show, Ultra South Africa confirmed its return in 2026. For the first time ever, the festival will open in Johannesburg on Saturday, April 25, at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, before heading to Cape Town on Sunday, April 26, at The Ostrich.
Thank you for being part of an unforgettable 10th anniversary celebration — see you at #UltraSA2026!
