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Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin to headline Red Bull Symphonic in Joburg

Dlala Thukzin, Chad Hendricks and Sun-El Musician. Photo: Mpumelelo Macu Dlala Thukzin, Chad Hendricks and Sun-El Musician. Photo: Mpumelelo Macu
Dlala Thukzin, Chad Hendricks and Sun-El Musician. Photo: Mpumelelo Macu

South African producers Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin will headline the 2026 edition of Red Bull Symphonic on June 13 at Montecasino in Johannesburg, marking the first time in the event’s history that two lead artists will share the same stage.

The concert, titled Afro House, Our Home, will feature the artists’ catalogues reworked with a full symphonic orchestra conducted by Chad Hendricks. Organisers say the 2026 edition will focus on the influence of South African house music and its role in shaping genres such as kwaito, gqom, amapiano and the emerging 3-Step sound.

@pakunzie Two worlds meet, shaping the next era of house. #RedBullSymphonic #redbullza #tiktoksouthafrica ♬ original sound – pakunzie

Sun-El Musician, whose debut album Africa to the World reached Apple Music’s Top 200 Electronic Albums chart globally, is known for tracks including Akanamali and Ubomi Abumanga, the latter of which spent seven weeks at number one on South African radio airplay charts.

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Speaking about the event, he said: “I’m happy to be part of this year’s Red Bull Symphonic. It’s always special to be in spaces that truly celebrate the music. It feels like the right space for where I am right now and I’m looking forward to sharing something real for the people to feel.”

Dlala Thukzin, who emerged from Durban’s gqom scene, has collaborated with artists including Babes Wodumo and DJ Tira. His tracks Phuze Remix and iPlan achieved gold certification, while his streaming figures have contributed to his profile as a live performer.

“It’s very inspiring to be a part of this year’s Red Bull Symphonic,” Thukzin said. “Sun El and I have created beautiful music respectively and coming together to produce this show is quite exciting. We aim to put up a great show for everyone.”

The orchestral arrangements will be led by Chad Hendricks, who serves as resident conductor of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and music director of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

“Red Bull Symphonic brings together musical worlds that I simultaneously live in,” Hendricks said. “I can’t wait to create something that is uniquely and proudly South African.”

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