Cape Town’s flagship Festive Lights Switch-On returns to the Grand Parade on Sunday 29 November, with a musical line-up spanning Amapiano, hip-hop, pop and Afrikaans sounds to usher in the festive season. The event is free to attend. Entertainment will run from 16:00 to 22:00 at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street.

Musical line-up

Duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, South African Music Awards (SAMA) winners, will bring their summer hits and Amapiano flair to the Festive Lights stage.

Recently reunited electronic music duo Liquideep, behind hits such as “Fairytale”, “Still” and “Alone”, will also perform.

Multi-award-winning hip-hop artist Nasty C is set to bring his stage presence and lyrical delivery to the Grand Parade, while Afrikaans singer and former Idols contestant Monique Steyn will also take to the stage.

Cape Town’s homegrown talent features prominently. Woodstock-born singer, rapper, actor and social media personality Ricky Vani Frontline, who leads the group Amafront, will be making his second appearance at Festive Lights, having performed in 2023.

Khayelitsha’s own Dee Koala, known for her bold style and hip-hop sound rooted in Khaltsha, will also perform. She is an honouree of The Plug Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Urban Culture.

DJ Dre, known for his Heart FM breakfast show feature “Thank Heart It’s FriDre”, will keep the party moving with cross-genre sets. He has been a mainstay of Cape Town’s nightclub and events scene for more than two decades.

Rising pop star Ben Rodrigues, whose feel-good anthems have gained traction on streaming platforms, is set to have audiences singing along at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street.

Cape Town-based singer and guitarist Vernon White will perform with soulful vocals and African flavour in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

Neon Pulse will deliver high-impact LED drumming, while the West London All Stars will bring a taste of the Mother City’s rich culture to the stage.

Radio personality Tyrone Paulsen and award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver will guide audiences through the programme as MCs.

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Bringing people together

The City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the event is about more than ushering in the festive season.

“It is also about bringing people together through the things that make Cape Town special: our music, our culture, our creativity and our incredible talent,” he said.

This year’s line-up is promising something for everyone, from established stars to homegrown performers who continue to put the city on the map. The City looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to share in the excitement as Cape Town kicks off the festive season, Smith said.

Move with Melody Dance Competition

The Festive Lights Switch-On’s annual dance competition, Move with Melody, gives dancers a chance to perform at one of the city’s most anticipated events.

Ten dance crews will compete at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on Saturday 21 November. The top three will be selected to perform on the main stage.

Entries are open until Monday 9 November.

Dancers can enter through the Festive Lights Switch-On social media platforms by posting a video entry and tagging @CTfestivelights with the hashtag #FLSODance2026 on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, or by sending their entry via WhatsApp to 076 179 7047.

For more information on events in Cape Town, visit eventsincapetown.com

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