A number of South African DJs and musicians are set to play a free event in London’s Trafalgar Square this weekend to celebrate Nelson Mandel Day.
Taking place on Saturday 18th July at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the party also marks 30 years since the South African Constitution was written. This enshrined equal rights for all citizens following half a century of brutal apartheid rule and oppressive race laws.
Curated by Johannesburg-based promoter Scatterlings, named after the legendary 1982 song by Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu, this weekend’s line-up includes Afro-house artists Sun-El Musician, Thakzin and Zakes Bantwini, hip-hop and Afro-pop vocalist Sjava, indie folk artist Msaki, alternative songwriter Jesse Clegg, and maskanda and mbaqanga musician Sipho Mchunu.
“Scatterlings is about connection between people, cultures, generations and histories,” said Clegg. “To bring this music and this message to Trafalgar Square on Nelson Mandela Day is incredibly meaningful. It is a moment for South Africans everywhere to gather, celebrate and feel proud, and for us to share our culture and remind ourselves of the importance of unity and communal celebration.”
“This is a love letter to South Africa and to every South African who has ever had to carry their identity far from home,” added South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. “I pushed for this event because I believe in what our artists can do for our country’s story. On 18 July, at Trafalgar Square, we are not just celebrating Mandela’s legacy — we are living it.”
You can revisit DJ Mag’s long form feature on the birth of house music in the townships of Pretoria and Johannesburg here, and our article on the UK Afro house renaissance here.
DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs charity fundraising campaign recently raised over £170,000 for Bridges for Music, a South African non-profit organisation focused on empowering young music talent from under-served communities. Earlier this year, the magazine teamed up with the platform for their third annual IMS Ibiza Cycle challenge, building on the success of the 2025 ride and the fundraising collaborations that followed.
