Culture Craze
Mariah the Scientist to Perform in South Africa for the First Time at WAV Festival 2026
A New Wave of R&B Is Coming to Cape Town
Cape Town is gearing up for a soulful start to the new year. For the first time ever, American R&B sensation Mariah the Scientist will perform in South Africa, headlining the WAV Festival on 2 January 2026 at the Green Point Track.
Presented by Afro Nation, the event promises to celebrate the rising influence of R&B across the continent, blending international stars with some of Africa’s finest voices. For fans of dreamy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and sultry live performances, this one is shaping up to be an unmissable summer highlight.
An Impressive Lineup
The festival’s debut line-up brings together a genre-defying mix of artists. Joining Mariah will be South African hitmakers Kelvin Momo, Shekhinah, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga, and Yandani, with more performers still to be announced. Together, they represent a new chapter of African soul and R&B that’s as smooth as it is sonically diverse.
It’s a fitting stage for Mariah’s first South African show. Known for her elegant blend of introspection and innovation, she’s become one of the most compelling voices in modern R&B.
From the Lab to the Limelight
Born Mariah Buckles in Atlanta, Georgia, Mariah’s path to stardom began far from the stage. While studying biology at St. John’s University, she released her debut EP, To Die For (2018), an independent project that caught the attention of fans and critics alike. The mix of vulnerability and precision in her music inspired her stage name, Mariah the Scientist.
By 2019, she’d signed with RCA Records and released her first studio album, MASTER, executive produced by Tory Lanez. The album introduced her signature sound: cinematic yet minimalist production layered with deeply personal storytelling. Critics praised her for crafting songs that feel both intimate and universal.
Her 2021 follow-up, RY RY WORLD, featured hits like Always n Forever (with Lil Baby) and 2 You, cementing her status as one of R&B’s most distinctive new voices. Two years later, her third project, To Be Eaten Alive (2023), saw her dig even deeper into her emotions, with standout tracks such as From a Woman and Bout Mine.
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A Sound That Transcends Borders
Mariah’s style bridges eras. Her music nods to old-school R&B while introducing futuristic textures and cinematic soundscapes. That blend has made her a favourite among both nostalgic fans and younger listeners who crave authenticity.
South Africans will finally get to experience that magic live as she brings her rich vocals and emotional storytelling to the WAV Festival stage. For local R&B enthusiasts, it’s more than just a concert; it’s a moment where global artistry meets African rhythm.
What This Means for Local Fans
The WAV Festival represents more than a new date on the events calendar. It signals the growing recognition of African audiences within the global R&B circuit. With Afro Nation’s reputation for producing world-class events, this Cape Town show is expected to attract music lovers from across the continent.
Mariah’s arrival also highlights a shift in how African cities are perceived on the international tour map. Once overlooked, destinations like Johannesburg and Cape Town are now being recognised as cultural powerhouses capable of hosting the world’s biggest stars.
As the countdown to January begins, one thing’s clear: R&B lovers are in for something special.
Also read: Tyla Breaks the Internet: One Photo, One Eye, and a Whole Lot of Illuminati Drama
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: AP News
