Cape Town will welcome a new chapter in live music experiences as WAV Festival makes its debut on 2 January 2026. Set against the city’s iconic coastal backdrop, the festival introduces a fresh concept that celebrates the richness of R&B, soul and alternative music from Africa and the diaspora. Positioned at the intersection of sound, culture and style, WAV aims to spotlight a new wave of creative expression defining contemporary African identity.
Full Event Details
Date: Friday, 2 January 2026
Venue: Green Point Track, Cape Town, South Africa
Tickets: R750 – R1300, available via WAV Festival
Pre Sale Day: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 12PM (this will only be for sign ups (click on picture below and scroll down), make sure to sign up now for first access to tickets before they go on general sale)
On Sale Day: Friday, 31 October 2025 at 12PM (after the Pre Sale Day)
WAV Festival’s launch comes at a defining time for Cape Town’s creative scene. Over the past few years, the city has become a magnet for artists, producers and curators across Africa and the world, reflecting a shift in global cultural tides. WAV builds on this momentum, positioning itself as a meeting point for innovation and collaboration in African music and arts.
At the forefront of the line-up is Mariah The Scientist, whose introspective storytelling and distinctive R&B sound have made her one of the genre’s most compelling new voices. Her first-ever performance in South Africa marks a symbolic moment, connecting Atlanta’s contemporary R&B movement with audiences and artists across the continent.
Joining her is Kelvin Momo, a pioneer of South Africa’s Amapiano scene. His deeply textured, emotive sound has redefined electronic and soulful music in South Africa, making him an ideal fit for WAV’s mission to blur genres and bridge cultural influences. Supporting acts such as Shekhinah, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga, Strictly Soul Hour feat. Akio, and Yandani represent a generation of artists pushing R&B, soul and alternative sounds into new territory. Their inclusion reflects a broader narrative: the rise of African talent confident in its roots and comfortable shaping global trends.
WAV’s concept is rooted in the fusion of music, fashion, and cultural storytelling. With an open-air stage overlooking Cape Town’s coastline, the festival aims to create a multisensory experience that honours R&B’s soulful foundations while exploring its evolving future.
According to Colin Gayle of Africa Creative Agency, WAV is “a space where global African culture meets on equal ground.” He adds, “We’re proud to spotlight the next wave of voices shaping music, style and identity worldwide. It’s a bold statement for a connected, unapologetically creative future.”
The festival is a joint effort between The Malachite Group (TMG) and Africa Creative Agency (ACA), two entities with deep roots in shaping African and diasporic creative ecosystems. The Malachite Group, known for producing live entertainment brands such as Afro Nation, Piano People, and LIT Everywhere, brings global festival experience and cultural insight. ACA, headquartered in Johannesburg with international offices, connects African talent to global markets across music, film, fashion, and digital platforms.
As the first notes of WAV Festival echo across Cape Town this January, the event is poised to mark more than a new addition to the summer calendar, it signals a movement. By connecting African creativity with global audiences through an authentic and collaborative platform, WAV Festival embodies the spirit of cultural convergence shaping the continent’s future.
What’s Else Is Happening
25 November 2025: Additions to the lineup include:
Sasha Keable • The South-London songstress returns with her signature soulful R&B and raw emotion. Tracks like Hold Up have earned global praise for their honesty and depth.
Langa Mavuso • Johannesburg’s powerhouse, blending R&B and soul with deeply personal storytelling. His upcoming album Therapy (The Other Side) is a heartfelt journey through loss, healing, and redemption.
Lia Butler • Bringing Neo-Zulu vibes to the stage, she fuses neo-soul with traditional Zulu sounds like maskandi and amahubo. Her lyrics celebrate black love, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
Xowié • Apple Music’s latest Up Next artist is redefining R&B, pop, and reggae with bold, empowering energy that radiates confidence and soul.
Overall Event Experience
Coming soon
Follow @wav.festival for the latest updates.
Featured Image(s): Rolling Stone
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