By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Zakes Bantwini, the Grammy award-winning artist, is set to headline the Pulse big stage at the Hollywoodsbets Durban July, Saturday 4 July 2026.
This year’s theme, “Country Allure”, sets the tone for a striking blend of rural charm and high fashion.
It invites racegoers to dig into a more grounded aesthetic while still holding onto the glamour that defines the Durban July.
It remains one of the biggest style stages in the country, where interpretation of the theme can make or break a look.
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 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.
Tickets are now on sale for general admission, picnic sites, VIP hospitality packages, and parking via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za).