Shimza, Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, DBN GOGO and more to perform at this year's ULTRA South Africa

The countdown for the 10th edition of the ULTRA South Africa 2025 has begun. 

ULTRA South Africa, which debuted in 2014, is Africa's largest and longest-standing electronic music festival and is part of the ULTRA Worldwide family.

“The 10th anniversary of ULTRA South Africa is a celebration of resilience, community and culture,” Shaun Duwe, ULTRA South Africa organiser said in a statement shared with TshisaLIVE.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve built something extraordinary, thanks to the passion of our fans, the commitment of our team, and the incredible talents who have graced our stages. The 2025 edition will be a landmark event, not just for us as organisers, but for the entire dance music movement in Africa.”

As excitement builds, tickets have been selling fast. Late last year, tickets were snapped up in a record-breaking 15 minutes.

Here's all you need to know about the festival:

WHO IS HEADLINING THE SHOW?

Global heavyweights, including Dutch electronic icon Armin van Buuren, hard trap sensation ISOxo, and the genre-blending force that is KSHMR.

Returning to the ULTRA SA stage after headlining the festival’s very first edition in 2014, Martin Garrix adds a full-circle moment to this milestone celebration.

On the RESISTANCE Stage, fans can look forward to an electrifying underground experience, led by melodic techno tastemaker Massano, the enigmatic Italian duo Mind Against, and a special homecoming performance from South African legend Shimza in Johannesburg.

Two additional stages are set to spotlight South Africa’s most exciting amapiano and afrobeats talent, with acts like Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, DBN GOGO, Dlala Thukzin, Oscar Mbo, DJ Lag, 2wo Bunnies, Mörda, Thakzin, Vigro Deep, Omagoqa, Lelowhatsgood, and more delivering unforgettable performances. Meanwhile, The Clubhouse will provide a more intimate atmosphere, curating forward-thinking electronic sounds from artists including Jevan Binder, Shamiso, Da Capo, Kasango, Mpho.Wav, Darque, Tristan Urwin, A.ND, Son of Dennis and Buhle.

WHEN AND WHERE?

The Ostrich in Cape Town on Friday May 9, and continuing at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre at Nasrec on Saturday May 10.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• General Access: From R995 (limited availability) 
• VIP: From R2,000 (limited availability) 
• VVIP (Johannesburg only): From R5,500 
• For those wanting to elevate their ULTRA South Africa experience and book an exclusive VVIP table, e-mail tables@ultrasouthafrica.com.