By Sitha Maliwa:
The stage is set, the stars are aligned, and the countdown has begun.
When thousands of racegoers descend on Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July, they will be treated to far more than the thrill of horse racing. They will witness a musical spectacle headlined by Grammy Award-winning sensation Zakes Bantwini, who is ready to bring his electrifying energy home to KwaZulu-Natal.
The announcement has sent excitement rippling through entertainment circles, with Bantwini leading a powerhouse line-up that includes Mi Casa, Will Linley, Will Rayz, Angel Mazibuko, Supreme 3 and Tamara Dey.
For Bantwini, returning to perform in his home province is personal.
“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!” he said.
Known for producing anthems that fill dance floors across the globe, Bantwini is expected to transform the Pulse Stage into a pulsating celebration of music, culture and homegrown excellence.
But the Grammy winner will not be standing alone.
Award-winning trio Mi Casa will once again grace the Durban July stage, bringing their signature blend of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms. The group, which continues to fly the South African flag high internationally, says performing at the country’s premier lifestyle event remains a special honour.
“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,” said J’Something.
The entertainment line-up also showcases the next generation of South African talent. Rising singer-songwriter Will Linley, whose music has captivated audiences at home and abroad, is preparing for a moment he once only dreamed about.
“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,” he said.
Adding soul, Afro-pop and R&B flavour to the festivities will be Angel Mazibuko and Will Rayz, while the charismatic Supreme 3 — featuring Loyiso Bala, Lloyd Cele and Danny K — are set to transport audiences through a catalogue of timeless Motown-inspired classics.
Meanwhile, dance music veteran Tamara Dey promises to keep the energy levels soaring.
“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,” she said.
Her comments perfectly capture the spirit of this year’s theme, Country Allure, which celebrates the beauty of South Africa’s rural landscapes and the elegance of its equestrian heritage. Fashionistas, designers and trendsetters are expected to embrace the theme in spectacular style, adding another layer of glamour to an already iconic event.
The excitement doesn’t end there.
In another major announcement, actress and singer Anlia Etzebeth will perform the national anthem before the country’s most celebrated horse race. Her performance is expected to provide an emotional and patriotic moment before the action unfolds on the track.
As the Hollywoodbets Durban July marks its remarkable 130th edition, organisers are promising a day where fashion, music, entertainment and elite horse racing collide in unforgettable fashion.
From thunderous applause at the Pulse Stage to the roar of the crowd as horses charge towards the finish line, the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July is shaping up to be a celebration of South African excellence on every level. One thing is certain: when Zakes Bantwini takes centre stage and the music begins, Greyville will be dancing.- @NewsSA_Online
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