TL;DR

Before race day took centre stage, Hennessy Presents: Kabza & Friends Durban July Edition transformed The Station in Stamford Hill, Durban into one of the weekend’s most sought-after destinations. The sold-out event demonstrated Hennessy’s growing investment in artist-led experiences, with Kabza De Small’s creative vision shaping the music, atmosphere, and overall guest experience.

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Inside Kabza & Friends’ Sold-Out Durban July Takeover With Hennessy

13 July 2026

While Durban July is traditionally centred on Saturday’s race day, one of the weekend’s defining cultural moments unfolded the night before. On Friday, 3 July, Hennessy Presents: Kabza & Friends Durban July Edition brought a sold-out crowd to The Station in Stamford Hill, positioning itself as more than a pre-party. Bringing together South Africa’s biggest names in music, fashion, and culture, the event became one of the weekend’s standout destinations before attention shifted to Greyville Racecourse.

@ontheeradar

BTS 📍 Kabza & Friends

♬ original sound – Immaculate Vibez

When Curation Becomes the Attraction

The event marked the next chapter in Hennessy’s relationship with Kabza De Small. Earlier this year, the cognac house handed creative control to its Friend Of Maison Hennessy, positioning him as curator rather than simply the headline performer. That vision came to life through a lineup featuring Mdu aka TRP, Dlala Thukzin, Funky QLA, Leehleza, Zawadi Yamungu, Stanky DJ, Dankie Boi, and DJ Tira. Kabza’s headline performance anchored the evening, while Mdu aka TRP, Dlala Thukzin, and Funky QLA delivered a collaborative set that reflected the event’s celebration of current South African music.

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On Stage 📍 Kabza & Friends

♬ Muthi – Dlala Thukzin & Kabza De Small & MK Productions

More Than A Brand Activation

Kabza & Friends continued a direction Hennessy has been building through recent initiatives such as its Genre Blending Cypher and Made For More campaign, placing artists at the centre of the creative process rather than simply using them to front campaigns. At Durban July, that approach translated into an experience where Hennessy’s premium offerings complemented Kabza’s vision instead of defining it. The night concluded with Durban locals Dankie Boi and DJ Tira closing with a back-to-back Gqom set, reinforcing that the strongest moments came from the culture the partnership was designed to celebrate.

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📸: RTCSTUDIOS