Dance and music lovers are in for a rare treat at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Zakes Bantwini, the Grammy award-winning artist, is set to top the bill at the Pulse big stage on race day, Saturday 4 July 2026.

Bantwini is sometimes styled as the King of Dance, so it’s fitting he will be joined by a veritable royal family of the South African pop and house-music scenes.

Durban-born Bantwini is looking forward to entertaining his home crowd. “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.

Mi Casa, Will Rayz, Will Linley, Angel Mazibuko, Supreme 3 and Tamara Dey have also confirmed they will be performing at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, where guests can expect a winning combination of world-class horse racing, high fashion, music and entertainment.

Mi Casa have a brace of best-selling albums and industry awards under their belts and it was recently announced that the trio will be representing South Africa later this year at the Fifa World Cup. The group’s J’Something said: “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.”

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Will Rayz, a finalist on SA’s Got Talent, will be bringing some soulful sounds to the Pulse stage while his sort-of namesake, Will Linley, will show why he’s been enjoying radio playtime.

Linley is among a new wave of young singer-songwriters helping to redefine local music. “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!” he said.

Angel Mazibuko is another rising star with a penchant for Afro-pop and RnB. Mazibuko is known for her big smile and even bigger voice — one that has won her comparisons with Tracy Chapman.

Keeping things up tempo will be Supreme 3. The trio of Loyiso Bala, Graeme Watkins and Monde Msutwana (all big names in their own right) are set to dazzle down trackside with some Motown magic.

Then there’s DJ and vocalist Tamara Dey, a veteran of the electronic-dance scene. Dey, who counts more than 25 years in the business, said she is “super amped” to be performing at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July. “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,” said Day.

She was referring to “Country Allure”, the theme for what will be the 130th July. It’s an invitation to designers, fashion-lovers, and racegoers to draw inspiration from our country’s dramatic, rural landscapes and the elegance of our equestrian culture.

Confirmation that Bantwini has signed as headline act, follows hot on the heels of news that Anlia Etzebeth will be singing the national anthem at the be Hollywoodbets Durban July.

A celebrated performer on screen and stage, Anlia has delivered standout live moments, including a powerful rendition of the anthem at Cape Town Stadium in 2022 when her husband, Springbok Eben Etzebeth, marked his 100th Test cap with a Man of the Match performance.

So what are you waiting for, then? Big sounds, inspiring performances and some of the country’s best on and off the track — all for a modest entry fee of R280.

Tickets are now on sale for general admission, picnic sites, VIP hospitality packages, and parking via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za).