Get ready to rock as iconic musician Sting is bringing his tour to Gauteng this weekend.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, will be joined on stage by virtuoso guitarist and long-time collaborator, Dominic Miller, as well as dynamic drummer Chris Maas, who previously worked with Mumford & Sons and Maggie Rogers.
His South African visit is part of the “Sting 3.0" tour, presented by Cherrytree Music Company and Big Concerts, powered by Hot 102.7 FM and in association with KFM 94.5.
They will also perform at Cape Town’s Grand Arena on Tuesday, March 25, while also taking the tour to several cities in the US as well as in Canada last year.
Local fans can expect to be serenaded by some of Sting’s most electrifying hits from his timeless discography.
Known for his groundbreaking work as a solo artist and as the frontman and songwriter in the seminal group The Police, the 72-year-old has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical innovation throughout his illustrious career.
His recent tour represents a new dynamic era, showcasing selections from his vast catalogue through the urgent lens of a tight three-piece combo.
This also inspired his new song, “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” which was released in September 2023.
Sting toured the nation in February last year, performing in Cape Town and Pretoria. He also performed in South Africa in 2012.
Throughout the decades, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has become renowned for hits like “Fields of Gold,” “Shape of My Heart,” “Roxanne,” and “Demolition Man.”
He has sold 100 million albums worldwide from his combined work as one of the most distinctive solo artists in the world with The Police.
As a composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist, Sting has also received a Golden Globe, four Oscar nominations, a Tony nomination, a Billboard Magazine Century Award, and Kennedy Center Honors.
Where: The SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria
When: Saturday, March 22.
Cost: Tickets start from R1125 and are available through Ticketmaster.
Human Rights Festival Day 3 and Sounds of Freedom Music Concert
Constitutional Hill is set to come to life with the sounds of music this weekend as the Human Rights Day open-air concert will feature some of the nation’s top acts on Saturday, March 22.
They include renowned jazz artist Mandisi Dyantyis, who will headline the gathering. He will be joined by KEDINEO, Buhle Mbongwa and Simmy will also grace the concert stage.
Apart from musical performances, the event will also include The Activism Row - a safe space where the work of social justice organisations can be recognised and celebrated.
Some of the other festival highlights will be Town Hall, which will be the central meeting place at the festival for civil society organisations and individuals to gather and promote democracy and social justice.
It will also host the film festival which will screen productions which centre around current social, political and human rights stories as well as the book fair, which aims to contribute to building a writing and publishing movement that recognises the importance of human rights violations.
“The books showcased combine the literary driving force with the motivation for action, which is a fundamental and integral element of the struggle for the protection of human rights,” the organisers said.
There will also be a children's festival, which will showcase the work of organisations in the field of children’s rights as well as a full programme of activities for children.
Where: Constitution Hill.
When: Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.
Cost: Free.
Pretoria’s Vintage & Decor Show
This outdoor pop-up event is set to transform the Irene Village Mall in Centurion into a musical and culinary wonderland.
This long weekend’s market is also a special edition as it will include an ABBA Greek Food and Music Fest.
The family-friendly event is renowned for its vintage, gift and decor market offerings to those in areas in and around Pretoria.
This popular market and shopping emporium typically features more than 120 stallholders selling handpicked collectables at affordable prices.
This includes vintage jewellery and clothes as well as furniture, porcelain, crafted goods and other gems.
Come hungry as there will be a vast range of meals, treats and beverages to choose from.
The market is also wheelchair-friendly and pets are also allowed but they must be on a leash.
Meanwhile, this edition of the market will include the ABBA Greek Food and Music Fest which will bring additional features such as a live performance by artist Costa, belly dancing, traditional folk dancing, plate breaking at Mythos and lots of ABBA songs to sing along to.
Where: Irene Village Mall.
When: Friday, March 21, from 8.30am to 5pm.
Cost: Free.