Johannesburg’s historic Constitution Hill will pulse with a new rhythm, one curated by none other than Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and cultural icon, Zakes Bantwini. This will be the birthplace of the very first Mayonie Festival, a gathering that promises to reshape the landscape of South African music festivals and chart a bold course for the future of Afrohouse and Afrotech.

For Bantwini, who has spent more than two decades pushing boundaries in sound and performance, Mayonie is not just another event, it is an expression of vision, culture, and identity. “This isn’t about recreating what’s already been done,” he explains. “Mayonie Festival will be an experience that pulls you in from the moment you arrive, an atmosphere where the music, the visuals, the people, and the energy are all connected. It’s where you’ll truly feel the heartbeat of Afrohouse.”

A Festival Beyond the Stage

What sets Mayonie apart is its deliberate design. Conceived as more than just a lineup of performances, the festival is an immersive cultural experience, a layered tapestry of music, art, and style. Every element, from the staging to the sound design, has been crafted to transform Constitution Hill into a living, breathing celebration of African electronic music.

Guests can expect interactive spaces, multi-sensory installations, and a sound experience that’s been engineered not only to entertain but to envelop. Mayonie is less about passive listening and more about being part of the music’s unfolding story.

The Mayonie Standard

Ticketing has also been reimagined with intention. In addition to General Access and VIP tiers, Mayonie introduces the groundbreaking Elevated General Ticket. This upgrade allows fans to step into a rare vantage point: directly behind the performing DJ or artist, watching and feeling the music from the perspective of the stage itself. It’s a first-of-its-kind access point in South African festivals, breaking the traditional barrier between artist and audience.

This kind of detail underscores Bantwini’s philosophy: Mayonie is not simply a festival to attend, it’s a festival to feel.

The Spirit of a New Era

The choice of Constitution Hill as the festival’s home is intentional and symbolic. A place of deep history, resilience, and transformation, it provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering that seeks to both honour African identity and project it into the future. Here, music becomes both a celebration and a declaration.

As ticket sales launch in three phases on Howler, anticipation is already building. Those who secure early tickets aren’t just buying entry; they are becoming part of the first wave of a movement, one that promises to grow into a defining moment for Afrohouse and Afrotech globally.

With Mayonie Festival, Zakes Bantwini is not just creating an event; he is writing the opening chapter of a new story in African music culture. One where intention meets innovation, and where every guest, from the dance floor to backstage, is invited to belong.

Mayonie Festival is not just coming. It’s arriving to set a new standard.