Don't miss Mike & The Mechanics: a night of rock in Joburg
Internationally renowned rock group, Mike & The Mechanics are set to deliver an electrifying performance as they take to the stage in Gauteng on Saturday, February 1.
The British group comprises Mike Rutherford, Andrew Roachford and Tim Howard.
Their South African shows are part of their “Looking Back - Living The Years 2025” tour, which is presented by Big Concerts, in association with KFM 94.5 and Powered by Hot 102.7 FM.
They already set the stage alight when they performed in Cape Town’s Grand Arena in GrandWest on Thursday, January 30.
Fans can expect to hear them perform some of their most renowned hits live, such as “Over My Shoulder”, “The Living Years” and “All I Need Is A Miracle”.
Mike + The Mechanics was originally formed in 1985 by Rutherford as a side project to the rock band, Genesis.
The group originally featured Paul Young and Paul Carrack as frontmen, and together, they achieved huge commercial success throughout the 80s and 90s, achieving No.1s all over the world and going on to sell over 10 million albums.
After Young died in 2000, the band released one further album before deciding to call it a day.
In 2011, Rutherford started writing songs again and invited Roachford and Howar to join him. They released “The Road” album and the band began touring again with huge success.
Where: The Sunbet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.
When: Saturday, February 1.
Cost: Tickets start from R885 and are available through Ticketmaster.
“On The Lawn’s Riverside Sessions”
The “On The Lawn’s Riverside Sessions” is returning to the breathtaking Syringa Park in Muldersdrift for the first time in 2025 on Saturday, 1 February.
This year’s line-up is sure to impress, with performances from some of South Africa’s top artists, including Ard Matthews, Ross Learmonth, Arno Carstens, CrashCarBurn and rising star Maddy Behrens.
“Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time listener, the superb range of talent promises something for everyone,” the organisers said.
Known for its stunning landscapes, this venue offers the perfect backdrop for a day of live music, delicious food and relaxation.
“While the music fills the air, treat yourself to gourmet eats and refreshing drinks from our hand-picked selection of vendors,” they added.
However, the artists who will take to the stage are set to be the highlight of the day.
This includes Matthews, who, over the course of the last decade and a half, has been honing his craft and moving people the world over.
As the former Just Jinjer frontman, his indelible lyrics and melody arrangements led the way to the incredible success of their debut album titled “All Comes Round”, becoming one of the biggest-selling rock genre albums of all time in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Learmonth has entered a new era in his career that has allowed him to showcase not only his longevity as an artist but his true talent as a songwriter.
Since his departure as the frontman of rock group Prime Circle, Learmonth's first few singles “Wild”, “Screaming”, and “Young” all went to No1 across a variety of local radio stations.
His debut solo album “Carousel” was lauded by critics in 2023 and his newest single “Because of You,” a ballad featuring powerful vocals and lyrical poignancy, with a chorus that begs to be sung.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Carstens is also one of Mzansi’s biggest musical stars.
His journey began as the lead singer of The Springbok Nude Girls. He is now a solo artist and painter who has showcased a diverse and influential career which spans over two decades.
Meanwhile, rock band CrashCarBurn was formed in London in 2006 before returning to South Africa in early 2007. Since then, they have lit up the local music world with hits like “Serande,” “Headlights” and “Twisted”, amongst many others.
Behrens is a rising star who started her career in her hometown of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal at local bars.
She has become renowned for hits like “Layla” and “Sweep Me Off My Feet”.
This show is open to all ages and children under the age of three get in for free. No outside food and drinks will be allowed.
Where: Syringa Park at Avianto Estate in Muldersdrift.
When: Saturday, February 1. Gates open at 11am.
Cost: Tickets range from R195 to R345 and are available through Howler.
Tumi Morake live
Renowned South African comedian and actress Tumi Morake is set to tickle the funny bone in Joburg on Friday, January 31.
Her 90-minutes stand-up comedy show is set to have attendees laughing until they cry.
Morake is no stranger to the stand-up comedy scene with her comical and unique take on personal matters earning her legions of fans.
In 2018, she became the first African woman to have her own set on Netflix’s “Comedians of The World” and she was also the first female host “Comedy Central Presents” in Africa.
Morake has starred in several films and TV shows, including “Seriously Single”, “Laugh Out Loud”, “Rockville”, “Soul Buddyz” and “The Queen”, among others.
Where: The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! At Melrose Arch.
When: Friday, January 31, at 8pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R180 and are available through Webtickets.