South Africa has rapidly become a beacon, attracting entertainers from around the world.
It comes as no surprise too, seeing how Mzansi’s growing affluent culture and the country’s breathtakingly sprawling landscape has attracted a wide range of tourists to South Africa’s shores.
R&B star Chris Brown electrified Johannesburg on 14 and 15 December 2024 with more than 90 000 people attending each day to experience the highlights of his nearly two-decade-long career.
Major League DJz graced the stage as the opening act on the first night, while R&B singer Elaine poured her heart out as Chris Brown’s opener on the second night. Additionally, Chris Brown’s touring DJ, Fresh — not to be confused with local seasoned raidio broadcaster Thato ‘DJ Fresh’ Sikwane — spun South Africa’s iconic hits like Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special and Sister Bethina, captivating the insatiable crowd.
Even though he performed in December 2023, who could forget Not Like Us hitmaker Kendrick Lamar’s captivating showcase at the inaugural Hey Neighbour Festival?
With our homegrown artists like Tyla making a splash locally and internationally, there’s no denying that South Africa is a hotspot for talent.
Here’s a look back at some international artists who have graced South Africa’s soil:
1. Ayra Starr and Snoh Aalegra
Nigerian singing sensation Ayra Starr, known for her hits Rush and Last Heartbreak Song, along with Swedish-born songstress Snoh Aalegra took to the Rocking the Daisies stage in Cape Town and performed at Johannesburg’s In the City event in October 2024 to bless audiences with stunning and soulful performances.
2. Jill Scott, Busta Rhymes and Jason Derulo
In September, the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival made its yearly return and brought artists like U.S. singer Jill Scott, rapper Busta Rhymes and pop and R&B singer Jason Derulo, much to the delight of many South Africans.
Although Busta Rhymes and Jason Derulo were announced as last-minute headliners following Janet Jackson’s withdrawal due to her brother Tito Jackson’s passing, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg thrived with their head-banging tunes, despite the cold weather.
3. Chris Brown
In a historic feat for an international R&B artist on South African soil, more than 90 000 fans came out to see Chris Brown perform his iconic hits at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium.
His stage presence, expertly crafted choreography coupled with his smooth vocals – albeit supported by backing tracks – made for spectacular performances on the Saturday and Sunday nights with surprise guest performances from Nigerian artists Lojay and Davido.
The No Air singer went through a timeline of his top tracks all the way from 2005 onwards with his performances that included pyrotechnics, aesthetically pleasing light shows and stage designs and even wires that propelled the entertainer through the air much to the crowd’s excitement.
4. Dru Hill
The quintessential 1990s multi-award-winning soul and R&B group Dru Hill, which features Thong Song hitmaker Sisqó in the group, took the country back in time performing their classic hits for their All White Soul Sessions concerts with local iconic kwaito group Bongo Maffin as their opening act.
With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, these Baltimore legends have racked up an impressive list of accolades, including a 1999 MTV Video Music Award, a 1997 Billboard Music Award, and two Soul Train Awards. Dru Hill is best known for chart-toppers like In my Bed, Never Make a Promise, How Deep is Your Love and 5 Steps.
5. Anderson .Paak
While this performance by Leave the Door Open singer Anderson .Paak mostly flew under the radar due to Chris Brown opening night in South Africa, shoppers in Johannesburg were treated to an electrifying performance in Nelson Mandela Square for the world’s first Jameson Festive Market.
