Culture Craze
Ella Mai set to light up South Africa with two exclusive April concerts
There is something about an Ella Mai love song that hits differently when you are driving through Joburg at night. The windows are down, the traffic lights glow red and gold, and “Boo’d Up” still feels like it was written just for you.
Now, South African fans have a reason to relive that feeling in real time. Award-winning British R&B singer-songwriter Ella Mai is officially returning for two exclusive performances this April, and the anticipation is already building across social media.
Two cities. Two nights. One unforgettable voice.
Mai will take to the stage at the iconic Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 25 April, as part of the vibrant Konka Kulture Weekend. The three-day celebration has quickly become a highlight on the local entertainment calendar, known for blending music, lifestyle, and culture into one high-energy experience.
From there, she heads south to perform at GrandWest on Sunday, 26 April, giving Cape Town fans their own moment with the R&B star.
For many, this marks more than just another international tour stop. It feels like a reunion. South African audiences have long embraced soulful R&B, from 90s slow jams to today’s contemporary chart toppers, and Mai’s sound fits right into that tradition.
A new chapter with ‘Do You Still Love Me?’
The timing could not be better. Her return coincides with the release of her third studio album, Do You Still Love Me?, a project that critics and fans have described as her most personal work yet.
The album opens with the reflective “There Goes My Heart,” setting the tone for a body of work that leans into vulnerability, growth, and grown-up love. Tracks like “Somebody’s Son” reveal a softer, romantic side, while “Might Just” carries a firmer message about honesty and self-respect in relationships. Then there is “100,” along with “Little Things” and “Tell Her,” each adding another layer to the emotional journey.
It is the kind of album that feels made for late-night listens, voice notes you never send, and honest conversations you finally decide to have.
From breakout star to global R&B heavyweight
Since emerging onto the global music scene in 2014, the 31-year-old singer has steadily built an impressive career. Her breakout single Boo’d Up became a cultural moment, earning her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2019. Follow-up hits, such as “Trip,” cemented her as one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B.
Over the years, she has collaborated with major names including Babyface, Chris Brown, Usher, H.E.R., Nicki Minaj, Quavo and Ed Sheeran. Each collaboration has expanded her reach, but her signature remains the same: honest lyrics and smooth, unmistakable vocals.
Why this matters for South African fans
International R&B acts do not always include multiple South African stops on their tours. Securing both a Sun City and Cape Town date speaks to the country’s growing influence as a key touring destination.
There is also a cultural resonance at play. South African music lovers have always connected deeply with themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. From local soul legends to Amapiano’s emotional storytelling, there is an appetite here for music that feels personal. Ella Mai’s catalogue fits seamlessly into that space.
On X and Instagram, fans have already started counting down, sharing throwback clips and tagging friends in posts about the upcoming shows. For many, it is not just about seeing a Grammy winner live. It is about singing every word back to her, in a packed venue, surrounded by people who feel the same.
April is shaping up to be a memorable month for R&B in South Africa. If her past performances are anything to go by, these two nights will not just be concerts. They will be moments.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Rap-Up
