MEDIA PERSONALITIES DJ SABBY & HOPE MBHELE TO HOST CORONA SUNSETS FESTIVAL BROADCAST SPECIAL ON SABC 1
SABC 1 and SABC Plus are set to bring the golden-hour magic of the Corona Sunsets Festival back to national screens on Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 19:30. Broadcasting from The Glen Country Club in Clifton, Cape Town, the celebrated music and lifestyle event once again expands beyond the festival grounds to audiences across South Africa.
Following the success of the Johannesburg edition’s televised debut, the partnership between SABC 1 and the Corona Sunsets Festival continues to grow, transforming one of the country’s most distinctive open-air celebrations into a shared national television moment.
A Dynamic Hosting Duo
At the centre of the 2026 broadcast are Metro FM breakfast host Sabelo “DJ Sabby” Mtshali and acclaimed actress and media personality Hope Mbhele.
Known for hosting Metro FM’s Best Mornings and major events including the South African Music Awards and Metro FM Music Awards, DJ Sabby brings his commanding presence and live-broadcast expertise to the Corona Sunsets stage.
Joining him is Hope Mbhele, widely recognised for her roles in Uzalo and Shaka iLembe. This marks her first time hosting the Corona Sunsets Festival broadcast, adding fresh energy and perspective to the event.
“Returning to host the Corona Sunset Festival in Cape Town feels like a full-circle moment. Coming back to a stage that celebrates organic energy, music, being in the moment and connection — and reuniting with Hope Mbhele — makes it even more meaningful.”
says DJ Sabby
“There’s something incredibly special about the sunset in Cape Town. To experience that energy live — and then share it with viewers across the country — feels like being part of something bigger than just a show.”
adds Mbhele
A Star-Studded Sunset Line-Up
The 2026 Corona Sunsets Festival boasts an impressive roster of performers. Headlining the event are Grammy Award-winner Purple Disco Machine and South African music powerhouse Zakes Bantwini.
They are joined by an eclectic mix of talent, including Sun-El Musician, Msaki, DJ Kent, Liquideep, Mila-Rose, Blakongo, Roz b2b Housewife, and Meek — with a once-off sunset performance by the Ndlovu Youth Choir.
More Than Music
More than just a music showcase, the SABC 1 special promises to immerse viewers in the festival’s defining “Sunset Moment,” complete with aerial performances, immersive art installations, and Corona’s signature “More Than Music” offering.
Audiences can expect curated wellness experiences, creative expression spaces, drum circles, and sustainable food activations — elements that elevate the festival into a holistic cultural experience.
Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand: Corona South Africa, notes that bringing the festival back to SABC 1 allows the golden-hour experience to extend far beyond Cape Town’s coastline and into homes nationwide.
Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager Video Entertainment at SABC, adds that the collaboration reinforces the channel’s commitment to delivering live entertainment experiences that resonate deeply with South African audiences.
A National Cultural Moment
As anticipation builds for the Cape Town edition, the 2026 broadcast cements the Corona Sunsets Festival as more than a live event — it becomes a cultural television moment where performance, atmosphere, and audience unite on a national stage.
With DJ Sabby and Hope Mbhele guiding the experience, viewers can expect an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and connection.
Broadcast Details
- Broadcast Channels: SABC 1, SABC Plus
- Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
- Venue: The Glen Country Club, Clifton, Cape Town
- Time: 19:30 – 21:30
Tickets and information available at: corona.howler.co.za
