By Kevin Rademeyer.
American alternative folk favourites The Lumineers will make their long-awaited return to South Africa in February 2026, with performances scheduled for Cape Town and Pretoria as part of their Automatic World Tour.
Formed in 2005 by Wesley Schultz (lead vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion, piano), The Lumineers began their journey in Ramsey, New Jersey, before establishing themselves in Denver, Colorado. Their rise was part of the 2010s folk-rock and Americana revival, a movement that reintroduced acoustic instrumentation, narrative-driven songwriting, and stripped-back authenticity to mainstream audiences. Cellist Neyla Pekarek joined in 2010 and remained a member until 2018, contributing to their early signature sound.
The group’s breakthrough came in 2012 with their self-titled debut album, which peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and achieved triple-platinum status in the US and Canada. Singles such as Ho Hey and Stubborn Love became international hits, their raw yet anthemic qualities helping the band to carve out a space alongside peers like Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men. Their follow-up, Cleopatra (2016), topped charts in the US, UK, and Canada, cementing their position as one of the leading voices in modern folk.
Across five studio albums, The Lumineers have delivered 24 number-one radio hits, amassed more than 6 billion streams, and sold over 1.5 million albums in the United States alone. Their latest release, Automatic (2025), has been described by the band as their most adventurous to date, pairing sharp lyrical wit with new sonic textures. Tracks such as the high-tempo Same Old Song and the piano-led Asshole showcase both their storytelling skill and their playful irreverence.
The band’s live performances are renowned for their energy and intimacy, whether in small theatres or stadium arenas. They have headlined major festivals including Glastonbury and Bonnaroo, and their last major outing, the Brightside World Tour in 2022, sold over 1.1 million tickets worldwide.
In addition to their musical achievements, Schultz and Fraites have championed numerous social causes, including environmental sustainability, music education, youth mental health, and hunger relief. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their Colorado Gives Back benefit raised funds for struggling live music and service industry workers.
South African fans will have two opportunities to experience the band’s celebrated live show:
Cape Town
4 February 2026 – Grand Arena, GrandWest
Pretoria
7 February 2026 – SunBet Arena, Time Square
The Big Concerts Fan Club pre-sale opens at 09h00 on Wednesday 13 August 2025 and runs until 08h59 on Friday 15 August. Tickets for the general public will be available from 09h00 on Friday 15 August via www.ticketmaster.co.za and www.bigconcerts.co.za.
With a career built on heartfelt storytelling, genre-blending musicianship, and a commitment to artistic independence, The Lumineers’ 2026 South African shows promise to be as compelling as the songs that brought them to global prominence.