Latest news with #ULTRASouthAfrica
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music
ULTRA South Africa is Africa's largest electronic music festival and is part of the ULTRA Worldwide family. 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 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. ALSO WATCH: Tanker crash on N1 South causes major traffic delays in Roodepoort
The South African
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Things you should know
The countdown is on for ULTRA South Africa's 10th anniversary, and this year's festival promises to be the most electrifying yet. On Friday, 9 May, Cape Town's The Ostrich will pulse with energy, followed by a massive bash at Johannesburg's Expo Centre at Nasrec on Saturday, 10 May. After a decade of unforgettable beats and world-class performances, ULTRA is pulling out all the stops for its milestone birthday. ULTRA South Africa has become a powerhouse on the continent's music calendar. Over the past ten years, 335 artists have set the stage alight, with 97 returning for more than one round. Local favourite Kyle Cassim holds the record for the most appearances by a South African DJ. Internationally, Martin Garrix reigns supreme. He's not only the most frequent international headliner at ULTRA SA. Martin is also the current world number one DJ, according to Texx and City. 'There's nothing like the energy of a South African crowd,' Garrix once said, and he keeps coming back for more. This year's line-up is stacked. Main Stage headliners include Dutch trance legend Armin van Buuren, hard trap sensation ISOxo, and genre-bending superstar KSHMR. Martin Garrix returns for a full-circle moment, having headlined the very first ULTRA SA in 2014. On the RESISTANCE Stage, fans will be treated to melodic techno from Massano, a hypnotic set from Italian duo Mind Against, and a special homecoming for local hero Shimza. Johannesburg festivalgoers get even more: The Groove Room will showcase SA's hottest amapiano and afrobeats acts. These acts include Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, DBN GOGO, and Dlala Thukzin. The Clubhouse offers an intimate space for underground sounds and future beats. ULTRA South Africa isn't just a festival's a global phenomenon. Over 400,000 fans from all 195 countries have danced together under the African sky. After South Africa, Mozambique sends the most fans, proving that ULTRA fever knows no borders. If you want in, move quickly. Last year, Rewind and Tier 1 tickets sold out in just 15 minutes, a festival record. General access starts from R995, VIP from R3,000, and VVIP (Johannesburg only) from R5,500. For those wanting the ultimate experience, exclusive VVIP tables are available by request. ULTRA South Africa's 10th edition is a celebration of music, unity, and pure joy. As one fan put it, 'ULTRA isn't just an event, it's a feeling.' Don't miss your chance to be part of history. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
