WeeklySA_AdminFESTIVE: American R&B star Syleena Johnson joins Zonke, Lira, Oskido and Mdu on a star-studded bill as the Matlosana Hello Festival welcomes 2027 in Klerksdorp…
By Priscilla Malinga
The Matlosana Hello Festival will welcome the New Year with a line-up headlined by American R&B and soul singer Syleena Johnson at Mshengu Fun City in Klerksdorp on January 1, 2027.
Joining Johnson will be some of South Africa’s best-loved performers, including Zonke, Lira, Oskido and kwaito veteran Mdu, bringing together soulful vocals, dance-floor favourites and home-grown sounds. Organisers recently hosted members of the media in Klerksdorp to introduce the festival and give them a feel for the town.
Speaking at the gathering, DJ Sbu pledged his support for the event and announced that he would join Somizi Mhlongo as a co-host.
“There is no bigger flex than living a long life and seeing your children grow,” said DJ Sbu. “I will be here on the 1st and co-hosting with Somizi.”
Johnson, a singer-songwriter and actress, is widely known for her vocal contribution to Kanye West’s 2004 hit All Falls Down. Her appearance will give local audiences an opportunity to experience her distinctive R&B and soul sound live.
Among the South African headliners is singer-songwriter and producer Zonke Dikana, whose acclaimed album Ina Ethe helped establish her as a leading voice in contemporary soul.
Multi-award-winning singer Lira, who recently staged a solo show at Johannesburg’s Lyric Theatre, will also take to the stage.
Oskido and Mdu will add their familiar dance and kwaito sounds to a programme that also includes Sannere, Lesego DM and Lebo Molax.
Supporting performers include Thabo Mokone, LTK, DJ Zile, Vicmo N Comfort, Soul Movement, Hloni, Tabadi Monaisa, G-Soul Bianca, Tenneson, Soul and Afrosoul Prophecy. Extra Love is also listed as an MC. The festival invites music lovers from across South Africa to celebrate the start of 2027 with a mix of international talent and established and emerging local performers.
Tickets are available through Computicket, with early-bird admission priced at R200, general access at R300 and gate entry at R400. VVIP tickets cost R1,800.
According to organisers, festival supporters include the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Motsweding FM and Lesedi FM.
For updates, follow Matlosana Hello Festival Mshengu Fun City on Facebook and Instagram.
