By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Mpumelelo Macu
Seen Here Dlala Thukzin, Chad Hendricks, and Sun-El Musician (left to right) unite ahead of Red Bull Symphonic 2026, where house music meets orchestral brilliance in a ground-breaking Johannesburg showcase. Photo Credit: Mpumelelo Macu
Johannesburg, Gauteng — 21 April 2026 — The 2026 edition of Red Bull Symphonic is set to make history in South Africa, introducing a bold new format that will see two headline artists share one stage with a full symphonic orchestra for the first time.
Taking place on 13 June 2026 at Montecasino, the outdoor showcase will feature acclaimed house music pioneer Sun-El Musician alongside electrifying performer Dlala Thukzin. Their music will be reimagined in orchestral form under the direction of celebrated conductor Chad Hendricks.
A Celebration of House Music’s Legacy
Titled Afro House, Our Home, the 2026 production shifts focus from last year’s amapiano theme to honour the deep roots and evolution of house music in South Africa.
From kwaito and gqom to amapiano and the emerging 3-Step sound, the genre has shaped the country’s sonic identity for decades. This year’s showcase aims to reflect that lineage by bringing together two artists whose work bridges tradition and innovation.
Seen Here Dlala Thukzin, Chad Hendricks, and Sun-El Musician (left to right) ahead of their collaboration at Red Bull Symphonic 2026 in Johannesburg. Photo Credit: Mpumelelo Macu
Two Distinct Sounds, One Stage
Sun-El Musician, known for his soulful and atmospheric approach to house, has built a global following with hits like Akanamali and Ubomi Abumanga, the latter dominating South African airwaves for weeks. His debut album Africa to the World achieved international recognition, charting on global platforms.
Sharing the spotlight is Dlala Thukzin, whose high-energy, genre-blending sound draws from gqom and beyond. With hundreds of millions of streams and collaborations with leading artists, Thukzin has established himself as one of the country’s most dynamic live performers.
Together, the pairing promises a fusion of depth and intensity, combining melodic storytelling with dancefloor-driven energy.
Seen Here Red Bull Symphonic 2026, bringing Afro house to life with a full symphonic orchestra in Johannesburg. Photo Credit: Mpumelelo Macu
Orchestrating a Genre-Bending Experience
At the helm of the production is Chad Hendricks, a conductor renowned for seamlessly navigating classical and contemporary music worlds. With credentials spanning prestigious orchestras and collaborations with global and local icons, Hendricks is tasked with weaving the two artists’ catalogues into a cohesive orchestral narrative.
His involvement signals the event’s ambition: to transcend genre boundaries and deliver a uniquely South African musical experience.
A Landmark Moment for Live Music
The decision to feature two headliners marks a significant evolution for the Red Bull Symphonic format, which traditionally spotlights a single artist. By expanding the concept, the 2026 edition not only elevates the scale of the production but also reflects the collaborative and hybrid nature of modern African music.
Event Details
- Date: 13 June 2026
- Venue: Montecasino (Outdoor)
- Doors Open: 16:00
- Show Starts: 18:00
Redefining the Sound of South Africa
As anticipation builds, Afro House, Our Home is positioned as more than just a concert — it is a cultural statement, celebrating the past, present, and future of South African house music.
By bringing together orchestral grandeur and contemporary sound, the 2026 edition is set to deliver a genre-defining moment on the country’s live music calendar.
