Mafikizolo Join Ty Dolla $ign at WAV Festival 2027 as Pretoria Prepares for Major Music Debut
Mafikizolo join Ty Dolla $ign and KWN at WAV Festival 2027, with Cape Town and Pretoria shows bringing international R&B and South African talent together.
South African music legends Mafikizolo are heading into the new year with another major live performance announcement, joining the growing line-up for WAV Festival 2027. The Afro-pop duo, made up of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Mafu, will perform at the Cape Town edition of the festival alongside international stars Ty Dolla $ign and KWN. The Mafikizolo WAV Festival 2027 announcement has added excitement to South Africa’s summer music calendar
The announcement brings another exciting local name into a programme designed to connect international R&B with African music and contemporary culture. WAV Festival will return to Cape Town in January 2027 before making its first appearance in Pretoria. The two-city format gives South African music fans an opportunity to experience the festival in different parts of the country.
Mafikizolo bring their iconic catalogue to Cape Town
Mafikizolo have remained an important part of South African popular music for decades. Known for their distinctive sound, memorable melodies and energetic performances, the duo have built a catalogue that continues to reach different generations of listeners. Their addition to WAV Festival gives the Cape Town event a strong local presence. The group will join Lordkez, WizTheMc, Lusanda, Thando Zide and Xowie on the line-up.
The Cape Town programme will also feature special DJ sets from TXC and Juls, with DJ Loyd and Sir Vincent adding to the festival’s musical offering. The combination of established performers and newer artists reflects the festival’s intention to bring different sounds together rather than focus on one generation or style.
For Mafikizolo, the performance offers another opportunity to connect with audiences through music that has remained recognisable across changing trends in the South African entertainment industry.
Ty Dolla $ign and KWN lead the international line-up
International performers Ty Dolla $ign and KWN are the headline acts for WAV Festival 2027. Ty Dolla $ign is known for blending R&B, hip-hop and pop, as well as collaborations with major international artists. His music has helped establish him as a familiar name in contemporary R&B and popular music.
KWN brings a different sound to the programme. The British singer has attracted attention for her contemporary R&B style and emotionally driven music. Their inclusion supports WAV’s wider concept of bringing international performers into conversation with African talent. Instead of presenting a line-up made up exclusively of overseas acts, the festival is giving South African performers an important role in the experience.
WAV Festival expands to Pretoria
One of the biggest developments for the 2027 edition is the festival’s expansion into Pretoria. WAV will take place in Cape Town on Saturday, 2 January 2027, before moving to SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Sunday, 3 January 2027. The Pretoria edition will feature Ty Dolla $ign and KWN alongside Lordkez, Lusanda and Xowie.
Mafikizolo, WizTheMc, Thando Zide, TXC, Juls, DJ Loyd and Sir Vincent are part of the announced Cape Town programme. Their names should not be confused with the Pretoria line-up, which is different. The expansion gives Pretoria audiences an opportunity to experience WAV without travelling to Cape Town. It also gives the festival a chance to reach a wider audience as it develops beyond its original location. SunBet Arena’s position within the capital’s entertainment scene makes the Pretoria date a significant addition to the festival’s calendar.
A festival built around music and culture
WAV Festival describes its identity as R&B reimagined through an African lens. Its concept brings together music, fashion and culture, while creating space for international and African performers. The festival’s approach is particularly relevant at a time when African music continues to attract attention across international markets.
South African artists have increasingly found audiences beyond the country’s borders through streaming platforms, international performances and collaborations. Events such as WAV provide another platform for local performers to share stages with international names and introduce their music to different audiences.
Mafikizolo’s inclusion is significant because the duo represent an established generation of South African artists, while performers such as Lordkez, Xowie and WizTheMc bring different contemporary influences to the programme. This mixture allows the festival to appeal to fans with different musical preferences.
How to get tickets for WAV Festival 2027
Music fans interested in attending can choose between the two announced festival dates. The Cape Town edition takes place on Saturday, 2 January 2027, at Green Point Track. Tickets are available through Howler. The Pretoria edition takes place on Sunday, 3 January 2027, at SunBet Arena. Tickets are available through Webtickets.
A limited-time four-for-three ticket offer has also been announced, allowing groups to purchase four tickets while paying for three, subject to the promotion’s terms and availability. Fans should check the official ticket platforms for current prices, availability and applicable conditions before making a purchase. With its growing line-up, Mafikizolo WAV Festival 2027 is attracting attention from music fans across the country.
With international headliners, established South African performers and a new Pretoria location, WAV Festival 2027 is shaping up to be an important addition to the country’s summer entertainment calendar. For Mafikizolo supporters, the Cape Town performance will be another chance to experience the duo’s music live, while Pretoria audiences can look forward to the festival’s first appearance in the capital.