Cape Town is soon to get a major musical upgrade when the WAV Festival debuts on 2 January 2026, promising a celebration of R&B, soul, and alternative sounds along the city’s stunning coastline, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The festival is set to be a full-day affair where music, culture, and fashion collide, creating an immersive experience for fans and industry insiders alike.
At the forefront of the line-up is Atlanta-born R&B sensation Mariah the Scientist, whose futuristic style and emotive storytelling have won over her fans worldwide. Her upcoming performance marks her first-ever show in South Africa, and anticipation is already building among local music lovers eager to witness her soulful melodies live.
South African audiences will also be treated to the talents of Kelvin Momo, the Amapiano maestro whose deep, emotive beats have redefined the genre and taken it to international acclaim. Momo’s performance will bring distinctly African rhythms to a festival that aims to connect global and local sounds seamlessly.
The WAV Festival line-up also shines a spotlight on a roster of South African stars, including Shekhinah, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga, Strictly Soul featuring Akio, and Yandani, offering festivalgoers a taste of the country’s diverse music scene. Each artist brings their own unique flair, ensuring that the day resonates with a variety of styles and influences.
Founded by The Malachite Group and Africa Creative Agency, WAV Festival is designed to be more than just a concert; it’s a platform where African creativity meets the world.
Colin Gayle from Africa Creative Agency describes the festival as a space ‘where global African culture meets on equal ground’, celebrating the artists shaping music, style, and identity both locally and internationally.
With the city set to groove to new rhythms and international and homegrown talent sharing the stage, WAV Festival promises to be an unmissable event for fans of R&B, soul, and contemporary African music.
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Picture: Taylor Hill / Gallo Images
