ULTRA South Africa Marks 10 Years Of Iconic Dance Music

2026 dates announced — Johannesburg and Cape Town to host ULTRA South Africa once again

ULTRA South Africa has officially cemented its status as a cornerstone of the nation’s music calendar, celebrating a decade of euphoric dance music this past weekend with sold-out shows in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The anniversary event was nothing short of electric — a full-circle moment for fans, artists, and organisers alike.

The two-city showcase launched on Friday, May 9 at The Ostrich in Cape Town, before culminating in a high-octane finale at Expo Centre, Nasrec in Johannesburg on Saturday, May 10. Venues brimmed with energy from early afternoon until the final drop at 2 a.m.

World-Class Headliners And A Surprise-Studded Line-Up

Martin Garrix headlined both cities with a career-spanning set, capping off the Johannesburg event with a surprise appearance by Lauv and Lloyiso, creating an unforgettable moment for fans.

The iconic Armin van Buuren delivered an emphatic performance, balancing timeless anthems with fresh tracks. Making his South African debut, ISOxo shook the stages with his genre-bending sound, while KSHMR ignited a cultural moment with local remixes of classics like Jerusalema and Nkalakatha.

RESISTANCE And Amapiano Take Centre Stage

The RESISTANCE stage brought deeper, darker electronic sounds to life. Acts like Mind Against and Massano offered a masterclass in melodic techno and progressive house. South African titans Shimza and Culoe De Song brought a unique Afro-tech resonance, reaffirming the nation’s global dance music influence.

In Johannesburg, The Groove Room and Clubhouse delivered sensational Amapiano and house performances from the likes of Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, Da Capo, and Oscar Mbo — marking a powerful nod to South Africa’s vibrant local scenes.

2026 Dates Announced — Pre-Registration Now Open

ULTRA South Africa is showing no signs of slowing down. Organisers announced that #UltraSA2026 will take place on:

• Saturday, April 25, 2026 — Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg

• Sunday, April 26, 2026 — The Ostrich, Cape Town

Pre-registration is now open here until May 25, 2025, at 23:59 SAST.

Stay connected for upcoming line-up announcements via Ultra South Africa’s official Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Question to Consider: Will ULTRA South Africa’s expanded embrace of local sounds become its defining future identity?