Ultra South Africa is Africa's largest electronic music festival and is part of Ultra Music Festival's worldwide expansion, which has now spread to twenty countries. This renowned event has become a staple in the South African music scene, drawing massive crowds and featuring world-class artists.
Evolution and Expansion
Ultra South Africa originally started as a single-day event taking place in two cities: Johannesburg and Cape Town. Following an incredible second edition, the organizers announced that the festival would expand to three days in 2016, with events on February 26 & 27 in Johannesburg and February 28 in Cape Town. In response to demand from fans, event organizers confirmed that they would be adding an extra date to the Cape Town leg (27 & 28 February 2016) and that they would also be introducing camping for the first time.
After two years at the Cape Town stadium, Organisers have decided to return the Cape Town edition to the Ostrich Ranch with the Johannesburg edition continuing its long standing tradition at its historic home at The Nasrec Expo Centre.
Star-Studded Lineups Through the Years
Over the years, Ultra South Africa has consistently delivered impressive lineups, featuring some of the biggest names in electronic music. Here's a look at some of the notable artists who have graced the stages:
2016 Lineup
On 21 October 2015, Ultra South Africa announced its phase one lineup which included Zedd, Robin Schulz, Tiesto, Skrillex, Dash Berlin, Galantis, Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers and Black Coffee. on 24 November, organisers dropped the final line up with Afrojack, Carnage, Goldfish, Mr Carmack, Claptone, W&W and Fedde Le Grand.
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2019 Lineup
In October 2019, Ultra South Africa announced its phase one headliners, which included, Afrojack, Black Coffee, Dash Berlin, DJ Snake as well as Jamie Jones who will be making his South Africa debut and Steve Aoki who will be making his Ultra South Africa debut.
2024 Lineup
Ultra South Africa returned for its sold out 10th anniversary on 9th and 10th May. Headliners included Armin van Buuren, Kshmr, Martin Garrix, Mind Against , Massano, Shimza, Culoe De Song and many more.
On 6 November 2018, Ultra South Africa announced for the first time ever that The Chainsmokers will headline the 6th edition of Ultra South Africa. The phase 2 lineup was announced on 3 December 2018, which included Above and Beyond, Martin Garrix, Black Coffee, Vini Vici and Infected Mushroom.
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The 10th Anniversary and Beyond
Ultra South Africa returned for its sold out 10th anniversary on 9th and 10th May. Headliners included Armin van Buuren, Kshmr, Martin Garrix, Mind Against , Massano, Shimza, Culoe De Song and many more.
Cape Town featured two stages, Main and Resistance while the Johannesburg leg included The Groove Room, which paid homage to South African electronic music and Amapiano. Sets by Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drew massive crowds and proved to be an exciting new chapter for Ultranauts. Meanwhile, Clubhouse returned and kept things vibing with incredible sets from the likes of Kasango, Shamiso, and Mpho.Wav who all delivered unforgettable moments.
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For the first time, ULTRA South Africa will kick off in Johannesburg on Saturday 25 April 25, at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, and then in Cape Town on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at The Ostrich.
Challenges and Resilience
During the Johannesburg leg of if its 7th edition, organisers confirmed that Ultra South Africa will return to Cape Town and Johannesburg for its 8th edition on 26 & 27 February 2021. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers announced on 22 January 2021 that the festival would not be taking place in 2021.
On 21 September 2022, ULTRA South Africa announced its return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The eighth edition of Ultra South Africa took place on March 10 in Cape Town and March 11, 2023 in Johannesburg.
On 27 July 2023, organisers announced that Ultra South Africa will return in 2024 and will once again take place in Cape Town and Johannesburg on 1 & 2 March 2024 respectively.
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