The biggest international music artists coming to South Africa in 2026

South Africa is set to welcome several world-famous musicians in the coming year, with tickets selling out fast.

And the reasons why these artists choose South Africa is clear: South Africa is the top-visited African location for international artists in Africa. 

Speaking to City Press in March this year, music Publicist at Shezi Entertainment, Innocent Shezi, said South Africa accounts for about 80% of the streaming revenue in sub-Saharan Africa for Spotify. 

She added that South Africa is home to multiple premier venues that are equipped and ready to handle huge international performances that draw thousands. 

Big Concerts CEO Justin Van Wyk agreed, saying, “South Africa is fortunate to have some of the best venues, equipment, infrastructure, ticketing systems and skilled events professionals on the continent.”

The country welcomed big international acts this year, from Green Day and the Offspring to the Corrs and Boney M. The coming year will be no different, as several musicians have already added South Africa to their tour schedules.

Additionally, major festivals that usually attract international heavyweights, Calabash festival and Ultra, have yet to release their lineups for the 2026 editions. 

Here are five of the biggest international artists coming to South Africa in 2026:

The Lumineers

US-based band, The Lumineers, have added Cape Town and Johannesburg to their “The Automatic World Tour”  and are set to perform in February 2026. 

Since their break-out album in 2012, The Lumineers have delivered 24 number-one hits, multiple Grammy nominations and multi-platinum releases.

They have a spotify following of 22 million monthly listeners and a social media reach of 6.5 million. 

This is not the band’s first time on a South African stage, however. The Lumineers first played in South Africa in December 2022.

The band will play at the Grand Arena in Cape Town on 4 and 5 February. They will then head to Pretoria’s SunBet Arena for two shows on 7 and 8 February.

Bryan Adams

With a career spanning four decades and countless chart-topping hits, Canadian Artist Bryan Adams will be performing in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in April 2026.

Adams’ music has achieved number-one status in over 40 countries and has won a Grammy, American Music Awards, three Academy Awards, and five Golden Globe nominations 

Adams’ “Punches Tour” includes performances at the Grand Arena in Cape Town, the SunBet Arena in Pretoria and the Durban ICC. 

Despite an illustrious career, Adams has continued to release music, with the coming tour showcasing his new album “Roll with the Punches.”

The Cape Town shows will be on 21 and 22 April, before the global star heads to Pretoria for two nights on 25 and 26 April. He will close out the South Africa trip with two Durban shows on 28 and 29 April. 

UB40

UK-based reggae sensation UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, will be heading to South Africa for three shows. 

The band’s unmistakable vocals and signature laid-back groove have continued to resonate with audiences across the world since their first hit, “Red Red Wine”, rose to fame in 1983.

The group became the world’s best-selling reggae act with over 100 million records sold. 

Fans can expect a vibrant set that celebrates the band’s journey – with classics like “Cherry Oh Baby”, “Please Don’t Make Me Cry”, and “Kingston Town”

UB40 will be visiting Cape Town’s Grand Arena on 2 June, Durban’s ICC on 4 June, and Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on 6 June. 

Calum Scott

Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Calum Scott will be returning to South Africa for three shows, after first visiting the country in 2018 and returning in 2022 and 2023. 

“I remember my first time in South Africa, being blown away by the demand for tickets to my show”, said Scott. 

“Touring is my favourite part of my job, but touring in places like South Africa is just a dream come true.”

Scott’s “Avenoir Tour” will be his biggest yet. He will perform in the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town on 14 January, the ICC in Durban on 16 January, and the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 17 January.