RED BULL SYMPHONIC 2026: ONE ORCHESTRA, TWO HEADLINERS, A GENRE-DEFINING FIRST FOR SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC
by Kgomotso Seboko | Apr 21, 2026 | Entertainment |
Johannesburg, 21 April 2026: For the first time in Red Bull Symphonic’s history, two headliners will share one stage. On 13 June, House visionary Sun-El Musician and powerhouse Dlala Thukzin will perform their catalogues reimagined with a full-scale symphonic orchestra under the baton of conductor Chad Hendricks at an outdoor show at Montecasino, Johannesburg.
The 2026 edition, titled Afro House, Our Home, follows from Amapiano to honour the role house music has played in South Africa’s sonic identity. House music birthed multiple sub genres, kwaito, qhom, amapiano and the emerging 3-Step wave and this year’s Red Bull Symphonic celebrates that lineage by pairing two artists who are influenced by the past and present are shaping the future.
Sun-El Musician has built a reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive DJ & producer. His platinum-certified debut Africa to the World reached Apple Music’s Top 200 Electronic Albums Worldwide. Songs like “Akanamali” and “Ubomi Abumanga” have become generational anthems, with the latter reaching a seven-week number one on the South African radio airplay chart.
“I’m happy to be part of this year’s Red Bull Symphonic,” he says. “It’s always special to be in spaces that truly celebrate the music. It feels like the right space for where I am right now and I’m looking forward to sharing something real for the people to feel.”
If Sun-El represents the transcendent side of house, Dlala Thukzin is its raw voltage. The Lamontville, Durban native has been commanding dance floors since the age of 12, forging a Gqom-rooted, genre-fusing sound that has produced gold-certified tracks in “Phuze Remix” and “iPlan”, collaborating with the likes of Babes Wodumo, DJ Tira, and Def Jam Africa. With 368 million streams, 1.8 million monthly Spotify listeners, and 9.9 million Shazams, Thukzin’s reach Cements his reputation as one of SA’s most electrifying live performers.
“It’s very inspiring to be a part of this year’s Red Bull Symphonic,” commented Thukzin. “Sun El and I have created beautiful music respectively and coming together to produce this show is quite exciting. We aim to put up a great show for everyone,” he concluded.
Tasked with weaving both worlds into a single orchestral performance is Chad Hendricks, resident Conductor of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, Music Director of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the youngest winner of South Africa’s national Conductors Competition. His cross-genre fluency which was seen when he conducted for Andrea Bocelli one night and collaborated with Thandiswa Mazwai and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse the next makes him the natural choice for a show that refuses to recognise boundaries.
“Red Bull Symphonic brings together musical worlds that I simultaneously live in,” says Hendricks. “I can’t wait to create something that is uniquely and proudly South African.”
Red Bull Symphonic 2026 Afro House, Our Home
DATE: 13 June 2026
DOORS OPEN: 16h00
SHOW STARTS: 18h00
VENUE: Montecasino, Johannesburg (Outdoor)
In partnership with Visa, Cell C, Engen
For more information on Red Bull Symphonic 2026 Afro House, Our Home go to @redbullza on all social media platforms.
ENDS
Johannesburg, South Africa – March 27, 2026 – South African music powerhouse DJ Zinhle shakes up the music scene once again with the release of her highly anticipated new single, “Ezothando,” available today across all digital platforms.
A groundbreaking collaboration, Ezothando brings together a dynamic lineup of seven artists: Cebo, Mmata Magic, C Phe SA, Msindo Listo, Thobani White, and Nayvee Womculo, alongside DJ Zinhle herself. The track marks a powerful fusion of established and emerging talent, reflecting the ever-evolving sound of South African music.
At the heart of this release is an innovative and inclusive approach to music discovery. DJ Zinhle masterminded the rollout of Ezothando through a social media open verse challenge, which attracted over 2,000 entries from aspiring artists across the country. From this overwhelming response, two standout voices – Nayvee and Thobani White – earned their place on the official track, turning a viral moment into a life-changing opportunity.
This initiative is a true reflection of DJ Zinhle’s long-standing commitment to uplifting new talent. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her platform to open doors for undiscovered artists, and Ezothando stands as one of her most impactful efforts yet – not only discovering new voices but placing them on a major commercial release.
Sonically, Ezothando signals an exciting evolution in DJ Zinhle’s musical direction. The track is rooted in high-energy dance music, blending infectious rhythms, powerful vocals, and club-ready production to create a sound that is both distinctly South African and globally accessible. With Ezothando, DJ Zinhle once again proves why she remains at the forefront of the industry – not just as an artist, but as a visionary shaping the future of African music.
About DJ Zinhle
DJ Zinhle is a South African DJ, producer, businesswoman, and media personality with over two decades of influence in the music industry. Recognized as Africa’s number one female DJ from 2019 to 2025, she has built a global presence with performances across Africa, Europe, the UK, and the USA.
Known for hit records such as “Umlilo,” “Indlovu,” and “My Name Is,” she continues to shape the sound of contemporary African dance music. Beyond music, she is the founder of Era by DJ Zinhle, CEO of Boulevard Nectar Rosé, and the creator of Hair Majesty, reflecting her strong footprint in business.
A published author and star of the BET Africa reality show “The Unexpected,” DJ Zinhle remains a leading voice in entertainment and culture, inspiring a new generation through her work, influence, and belief that women can have it all.
Management & Bookings:
bookings@djzinhle.com
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