By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: “Where rhythm meets legacy and voices rise beyond the stage — Red Bull Symphonic 2026 is turning South Africa’s raw talent into orchestral greatness.” Photo Credit: Supplied
South Africa’s music scene is about to discover its next powerful vocal collective as Red Bull Symphonic 2026 officially opens auditions for aspiring choirs and vocal groups to perform on one of the country’s biggest live music stages.
Following a record-breaking double sell-out announcement, Red Bull Symphonic 2026 is now extending its spotlight to emerging vocal talent across the country, offering one choir the opportunity to perform alongside some of South Africa’s leading musical forces at Montecasino on 13 and 14 June.
This year’s edition, themed Afro House, Our Home, will feature an electrifying fusion of Afro-house rhythms and orchestral arrangements led by celebrated artists Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin, alongside acclaimed conductor Chad Hendricks, Vocal Hue choir and a full symphonic orchestra.
Now, Red Bull is inviting local choirs and vocalists to become part of the experience.
The competition calls on South African singers to assemble vocal groups of between four and eight members and perform an a cappella version of a favourite Sun-El Musician or Dlala Thukzin track. Entries must be under 90 seconds and submitted via social media using the hashtag #RedBullSymphonic, while also tagging the featured artists before completing the official submission process through Red Bull’s digital platforms.
The selected winning choir will not only secure a once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity but will also participate in the full Red Bull Symphonic rehearsal process before taking centre stage during both sold-out performances.
Red Bull Symphonic has become renowned for blending contemporary South African sounds with the grandeur of orchestral music, creating emotionally charged live performances that celebrate musical innovation and cultural identity.
Organisers say the choir element remains central to the event’s emotional depth and uniquely South African atmosphere.
“The choir has always been the heartbeat of Red Bull Symphonic,” organisers said. “Every note carries warmth, nostalgia and the communal spirit that makes South African music so powerful.”
This year’s edition is already generating major excitement within the entertainment industry due to its historic dual-headliner format featuring both Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin — two artists who have significantly shaped the country’s modern Afro-house landscape.
The addition of a community choir competition further reinforces the event’s focus on musical collaboration, talent discovery and cultural celebration.
Entries officially close on 30 May, with hopeful contestants expected to flood social media platforms with vocal performances showcasing South Africa’s rich choral and harmonic traditions.
Beyond the competition itself, the initiative also highlights the growing role of live music platforms in creating opportunities for emerging artists to access national audiences and professional performance environments.
As anticipation builds towards the June performances, Red Bull Symphonic 2026 continues to position itself not only as a major entertainment spectacle, but also as a platform celebrating South African creativity, musical excellence and artistic community.
For more information and entry details, music fans and aspiring performers can visit Red Bull South Africa or follow @redbullza across social media platforms.
