WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music
The main stage at ULTRA South Africa which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied
ULTRA South Africa marked a decade of dance with two monumental shows this weekend, kicking off in Cape Town on Friday, May 9, before heading to Johannesburg for a grand finale on Saturday, May 10.
Together, they formed a euphoric celebration of music, energy, and unity — and a fitting tribute to 10 years of ULTRA magic in South Africa.
Both cities turned up in full force, with fans packing out the venues from early afternoon to the final beat at 2 a.m.
As expected, ULTRA South Africa's 10th anniversary was nothing short of spectacular, with an electrifying line-up of international headliners who delivered unforgettable performances across both cities.
The main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied
Martin Garrix closed the night incredibly, delivering a career-spanning set.
The highlight: a jaw-dropping surprise appearance by American indie pop star Lauv and South Africa's own Lloyiso, who joined Garrix as surprise guests.
Iconic trance legend Armin van Buuren kept the energy soaring with a flawless mix of massive hits and fresh new tracks, bringing South African fans an experience they won't soon forget.
Making his South African debut, ISOxo brought his high-energy sound and genre-bending style to local fans, cementing his place as one of the most exciting new names in electronic music and KSHMR thrilled fans by putting his own dynamic spin on local favourites like 'Sister Bethina', 'Jerusalema', 'I Fink You Freeky' and even 'Nkalakatha', creating an incredible cultural crossover moment on the main stage.
Armin Van Buuren playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied
The ever-evolving RESISTANCE stage offered deeper, darker energy, delivering a pulsating soundtrack to ULTRA South Africa's more underground electronic fans.
This year's line-up was a masterclass in melodic Techno, Progressive House, and Afro-house. International heavyweights like Mind Against and Massano captivated the crowd with their intricate performances, while South African titans like Shimza and Culoe De Song delivered transcendent sets that fused Afro-tech and Afro-house elements with a deep, spiritual resonance — a beautiful reminder of the country's influence on the global dance scene.
Cape Town's show at The Ostrich kicked off the weekend, set against the picturesque Western Cape views. From Dean Fuel B2B Kyle Cassim to Gil Glaze, Niskerone, and a powerful opener by MIA, the day was packed with South African talent at its finest.
KSHMR playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied
Johannesburg's ULTRA South Africa experience at the Expo Centre Nasrec was the larger of the two, featuring additional stages: The Groove Room and Clubhouse.
Legends such as Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, and Da Capo took the celebration to new heights.
Celebrating and paying homage to South African electronic music and Amapiano, The Groove Room was an exciting addition to the ULTRA South Africa offering.
Sets by Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drew massive crowds and proved to be an exciting new chapter for Ultranauts.
Meanwhile, Clubhouse returned and kept things vibing with incredible sets from Kasango, Shamiso, and Mpho.Wav, who all delivered unforgettable moments.
Across both cities, the weekend was a powerful reminder of why ULTRA South Africa has become a cornerstone of the country's music culture, bringing fans together to celebrate the sounds that move us.
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