Iconic South African music festival ROCKING THE DAISIES celebrates its 20th anniversary this October with a historic multi-day edition that brings together global icons, homegrown stars, and cultural partners for the biggest festival yet.
Full Event Details
Date: 3 – 6 October 2025
Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling, South Africa
Tickets: Available at www.rockingthedaisies.com
Presented by Steyn Entertainment, Rocking the Daisies continues its legacy of spotlighting culture-shaping artists while offering fans a full-spectrum festival experience—from world-class music to immersive food, fashion, and camping.
20 Years Of Daisies History
The inaugural Rocking the Daisies festival took place in Darling in 2005, drawing only a few thousand attendees. As the crowds grew, the event relocated to the larger Cloof Wine Estate, where it continues to be held today. The festival takes its name from the annual blooming of the Cape Daisy each late September and early October, a natural phenomenon unique to the region.
Originally established as a rock festival, Daisies has since evolved through every era of music to reflect South Africa’s diverse and ever-changing soundscape. Over the past two decades, it has welcomed some of the world’s most influential artists, including Mac Miller, AKA, Black Coffee, Flume, Smino, Riky Rick, Stormzy, Aminé, Saba, Soulection, Joey Bada$$, Snoh Aalegra, 6lack, Kehlani, The 1975, J.I.D, Russ, and Greentea Peng.
The theme represents growth, new seasons, resilience, foundation, and national pride. It is not just about the growth of the festival and the dominance of South African music and culture worldwide, but a celebration of South Africa itself and its people coming together.
Dress Code:“Tell me you’re South African without telling me you’re South African”“Dress as your South African alter-ego”
Whether that means a Springbok, a taxi driver, a Free State farmer, a SAPS or Metro officer, a politician, an iconic musician, a Skhothane, or a Pantsula, show us why you are Mzansi.
International Headliners List
SUMMER WALKER: Debut South African performance by Atlanta-born multi-platinum R&B sensation, lauded for her emotive sound and acclaimed albums Over It (2019) and Still Over It (2021).
MEREBA: Due to popular demand, this marks the second South African stint for Alabama-born neo-soul songbird and fan-favourite Mereba. With roots in Ethiopia by way of her father, her eclectic sound draws from global influences and is showcased in cult projects The Jungle Is the Only Way Out (2019) and AZEB (2021).
JESSIE REYEZ: Canadian singer-songwriter and pop marvel, Reyez broke through with her multi-platinum single “Figures” (2016). She has collaborated with J.I.D, 6lack, Lil Wayne, Calvin Harris and Miguel, and released acclaimed projects including Before Love Came To Kill Us (2020) and Paid In Memories (2025).
SAM TOMPKINS: Hailing from Eastbourne, England, he gained fame by busking and posting covers on YouTube before signing with Island Records in 2019. His debut album Hi, My Name Is Insecure (2024) received both fan and critical praise.
DJ STARRZA: Texas-raised DJ and cultural storyteller of Congolese heritage. Her high-energy style blends Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Afro Tech to create sonic narratives rooted in resilience and emotional truth.
DJEFF: Portuguese DJ and producer known for Afro-house and Afro-tech. With roots in Angola and Cape Verde, Djeff has become a major figure in the global dance scene.
Partners & Collaborators List
GALXBOY: The official fashion partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. The two proudly South African powerhouse brands have collaborated on an exclusive clothing range, available on-site at the festival between 3 and 6 October.
GALXBOY X RTD NATIONAL FASHION SEARCH: After a successful debut in 2024, the fashion search returns. Last year, fashion graduate Tadiwanashe Kaparapari won R30 000 in cash and an internship with GalxBoy. Five new finalists will showcase their ranges on 4 October against the Darling mountains.
MTV: The exclusive TV partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. MTVBase, also celebrating 20 years, joins RTD in curating fashion, art, music and culture.
KFM 94.5: Official radio partner of Rocking the Daisies, bringing credibility and Cape Town authenticity.
FLYING FISH: Returning as the official main stage partner, Flying Fish will collaborate on music, activations, and overall festival energy.
CORONA: Official beer partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Corona brings its signature golden glow and laid-back spirit to Darling, creating sun-drenched memories as festivalgoers raise a bottle to 20 years of celebration.
D’USSÉ: Official cognac partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Bold, smooth, and synonymous with luxury, D’USSÉ joins the festival to toast 20 Years in Bloom with elevated moments throughout the weekend.
PEACEFUL SLEEP: Official insect repellent partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Peaceful Sleep keeps festivalgoers covered, ensuring the only buzz at Cloof Wine Estate comes from the music and the crowd.
FRIENDS WHO VOLLEY: Official Beach Club partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Friends Who Volley will host a Sunday takeover with volleyball, music, and sunset energy, inviting festivalgoers to join the game and celebrate in true summer style.
COKE STUDIO: Official partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Coke Studio brings a platform for discovery and collaboration, amplifying sonic experimentation and cultural fusion on the #RTD2025 stage.
RED BULL: Official energy partner of Rocking the Daisies 20. Red Bull powers the festival with high-octane energy and bold activations, fuelling unforgettable moments across 20 Years of Daisies.
Earl Sweatshirt Joins International Headliners
Earl Sweatshirt, born Thebe Kgositsile, has been announced as one of the headliners of this year’s festivities. Earl is the son of American civil rights advocate Cheryl Harris and celebrated South African poet and activist Keorapetse Kgositsile, and the nephew of late jazz legend Hugh Masekela.
In the early 2010s, alongside childhood friends Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean, Earl spearheaded the music and art movement Odd Future, paving the way for a new generation of artists across music, visual art, fashion, film and live performance. Characterised by subversive rhetoric, a mix of pensive subject matter and childlike humour, and sharp lyricism, Earl’s headline performance at #RTD20 promises to not only be a spectacle, but also a moment of cultural significance for him and his many South African fans.
Jessie Reyes Joins International Headliners
13 May 2025: Joining the festival’s historic 20th-anniversary edition this October is none other than Jessie Reyez, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose raw vocals and fearless storytelling have earned her global acclaim. Set to take the stage at Cloof Wine Estate, Darling, from 2–5 October 2025, Jessie brings her signature blend of soul-baring R&B, Hip Hop, and Pop to South Africa for the very first time.
Her appearance at Rocking the Daisies adds another layer of international star power to a lineup already headlined by R&B powerhouse Summer Walker. As one of the most exciting voices of her generation, Reyez is no stranger to stadiums, festivals, or vulnerable lyrics that resonate across borders.
Announcement Of “Sowing The Seeds” Initiative
13 June 2025: Sowing The Seeds is a new initiative connecting Cape Town’s vibrant creative communities with Rocking the Daisies 2025. Running from June to September, the program features a series of community-led events that will culminate in a dedicated stage at the festival, fully curated by local event leaders. This collaborative platform aims to spotlight the city’s underground culture and give curators space to shape the festival’s experience with their own sounds, ideas, and audiences. Festival organizers will announce the full lineup and event details starting 18 June 2025.
Summer Walker Announced As A Headliner
25 March 2025 – Rocking the Daisies marks 20 years as South Africa’s leading music and lifestyle festival with a historic headline performance by R&B icon Summer Walker. Taking place 2–5 October 2025 at Cloof Wine Estate, this milestone edition of Rocking the Daisies (#RTD2025) will feature world-class production, immersive festival experiences, and a lineup shaping the future of live music in Africa.
For the first time ever, Summer Walker is bringing her chart-topping R&B sound to South African shores, headlining RTD 2025 in what promises to be a historic moment. With hit albums like Over Itand Still Over It, she has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B—making her the perfect artist to lead RTD’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
As Africa’s most progressive music festival, Rocking the Daisies has hosted global superstars including Stormzy, Mac Miller, and Ayra Starr, while elevating local talent and pushing boundaries in festival innovation. RTD 2025 will continue that legacy—bigger, bolder, and louder than ever.
Featured image(s): Rolling Stone
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