WAV Festival successfully launched its first edition in Cape Town on Friday, 2 January 2026, drawing more than 8 000 attendees to an R&B-focused event anchored by global and South African talent. The sold-out debut positions Cape Town as a growing hub for premium, genre-specific music festivals in Africa.
The R&B-focused music festival took place on 2 January 2026 at the Green Point Track, marking the first large-scale event in South Africa dedicated exclusively to R&B and soul music. The festival is a joint venture between Africa Creative Agency and The Malachite Group, who developed the platform to establish a consistent, high-production live R&B experience on African soil.
Positioned at the start of the new year, the event brought together international and local artists, industry partners, and audiences, reinforcing Cape Town’s role as a destination for major music events.
Why This Matters
WAV Festival addresses a long-standing gap in South Africa’s live music economy: the absence of a dedicated, large-scale R&B platform. While hip-hop, amapiano and EDM festivals have dominated the market, R&B audiences have largely been served through club nights and touring acts rather than purpose-built festivals.
The strong turnout indicates sustained demand for genre-specific experiences and highlights the commercial viability of R&B-focused live events in Africa. For artists, it creates an additional performance circuit outside traditional touring routes; for brands, it offers a culturally aligned space to engage an urban, music-driven audience.
From a culture perspective, WAV Festival reflects how R&B continues to evolve locally, intersecting with Amapiano, Soul and Jazz influences while remaining globally connected.
Key Event Highlights
- Date: 2 January 2026
- Location: Green Point Track, Cape Town
- Attendance: 8,000+
- Headlining Artist: Mariah The Scientist
- International Acts: Sasha Keable, Isaiah Falls, Wale
- South African Acts: Kelvin Momo, Shekhinah, Langa Mavuso, Manana, Nanette, Lia Butler, Yandani, Kujenga
- Hosts: Claudia Naisabwa, Olly Zondi
- Organisers: Africa Creative Agency and The Malachite Group
- Presented by: Afro Nation
- Brand Partners: Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, Spotify, YFM, Rose’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performed at WAV Festival 2026?
The lineup included Mariah The Scientist as headliner, alongside Sasha Keable, Isaiah Falls, Wale, Kelvin Momo, Shekhinah, Langa Mavuso, Manana, Nanette, Lia Butler, Yandani and Kujenga.
Who organised WAV Festival?
The festival was organised by Africa Creative Agency in partnership with The Malachite Group.
When and where did WAV Festival take place?
The inaugural event took place on 2 January 2026 at the Green Point Track in Cape Town.
With its first edition sold out, WAV Festival is expected to return with an expanded offering in future editions.
Featured Image(s): Supplied
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