Zakes Bantwini to headline Pulse stage at 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July

Grammy award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini will headline the Pulse big stage at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, according to IOL (Independent Online).

Headliner returns to his home crowd

Durban-born Bantwini expressed his excitement about the performance.

“KZN, it’s always good to be home! I’ve got something special prepared for you at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It’s going to be a great one, hope to see you all there!”

Those comments were reported by IOL (Independent Online).

Supporting lineup confirmed

According to IOL (Independent Online), several other performers have been confirmed for the event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. The confirmed acts include:

• Mi Casa
• Will Rayz described by IOL as a singer-songwriter-guitarist and a finalist on “SA’s Got Talent”
• Will Linley
• Angel Mazibuko described by IOL as a rising star with a penchant for Afro-pop and RnB
• Supreme 3
• Tamara Dey

Comments from the artists

IOL quoted members of Mi Casa reflecting on their return to the Durban July:

“We will never forget the very first Hollywoodbets Durban July we did, and we count it as such a blessing to be able to come back. We can’t wait to connect with everybody.”

Will Rayz is noted by IOL as bringing soulful sounds to the Pulse stage. Will Linley told IOL:

“I am so excited to be playing at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. As a kid, I would always watch the race with my father, so it’s pretty unreal to be a part of such an awesome event!”

DJ and vocalist Tamara Dey was also quoted by IOL, saying:

“Yeehaa, fam! True to this year’s theme, I’ll be bringing some country inspo into my vocal sets and bringing big party vibes with my DJ sets,”

Other event details from IOL

IOL (Independent Online) reported that the trio of Loyiso Bala, Lloyd Cele and Danny K are set to perform down trackside with Motown-style material. The publication also reported that Anlia Etzebeth will be singing the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

What to expect

As reported by IOL (Independent Online), the Hollywoodbets Durban July will feature a mix of established and rising South African acts across the Pulse stage and trackside, anchored by Zakes Bantwini as the headliner.