Red Bull’s Back2Beyond to make South African debut in Tshwane 

First introduced in Cologne, Germany, in 2024, Back2Beyond presents a night-long series of back-to-back DJ sets across multiple stages. The format features rotating pairings of artists who perform collaboratively, creating a continuous mix that evolves through different musical styles.

Organisers say the concept aims to reimagine electronic music performance through live interaction and shared creativity. The approach aligns closely with South Africa’s long-standing traditions of musical collaboration, from Zulu call-and-response and township jazz collectives to gqom’s producer communities and amapiano’s multi-artist collaborations.

The Pretoria edition will feature a line-up that includes amapiano artist KMAT, known for blending electronic textures with township sounds; producer Dlala Thukzin, recognised for pushing the boundaries of gqom through 3-step and gqom tech influences; the Major League DJz, credited with taking amapiano to international audiences; and Afro-house artist Sun-El Musician, whose melodic style has reached listeners across the continent.

012 Central, located on Helen Joseph Street, has been selected as the venue for its open and inclusive setting. The space is intended to highlight music and artistic collaboration rather than spectacle or stage design.

According to the organisers, the event seeks to celebrate the diversity of South Africa’s dance music scene, with genres such as Afro-house, amapiano, 3-step and gqom placing the country at the forefront of African electronic music culture.

With local genres now shaping global dance floors, Back2Beyond’s arrival in South Africa marks a return to the roots of the collaborative energy that has long characterised the nation’s music scene.