31 October @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Joburg’s summer soundtrack is getting a fresh chapter as Y brings LYFE 2026 back to Marks Park, Emmarentia, on Saturday, 31 October.
But this isn’t simply another date on the city’s gig calendar. LYFE is positioning itself as a meeting point for the sounds, artists and audiences pushing South African music beyond predictable genre lines.
With a line-up moving through R&B, neo-soul, contemporary jazz and alternative sounds, the festival is tapping into a generation that wants music experiences that feel personal, discovery-driven and connected to culture.
A Line-Up Built Around Discovery
Leading the South African charge are Shekhinah, Thando Zide, Lusanda and Umzulu Phaqa, bringing different musical perspectives to a festival built around variety rather than a single sound.
Joining them is London-raised singer-songwriter AMA, formerly known as AMA LOU. Her music blends contemporary R&B with neo-soul, garage and drill, adding an international perspective to LYFE’s distinctly South African foundation.
That combination is significant.
South African audiences are increasingly engaging with global sounds while local artists continue to reinterpret them through their own experiences. LYFE’s programming reflects that exchange, putting homegrown talent alongside an artist whose sound has travelled from London to an international audience.
More Than the Main Stage
The experience extends beyond the headline performances, with Y’s own LesediTheDJ, Venom, Rarri, Fae-Fae and Fif_Laaa bringing alternative selections to the day.
On hosting duties, Ayanda MVP, Nia Brown, Hey Shawty, Karen Mthethwa and Tulz Madala will bring Y’s familiar personality and audience connection to the festival.
For Music Curator Codi Dinca, the intention is to create a musical journey that moves between the familiar, unexpected and new — giving listeners room to discover artists and sounds they may not encounter in their everyday playlists.
That makes LYFE particularly relevant to a young Joburg audience constantly searching for the next sound, artist or cultural moment.
Your LYFE 2026 Episode
Think of the day as a full-length musical episode: 10AM to 8PM at Marks Park, with the story unfolding through live performances, DJs, hosts and the energy of a crowd united by alternative music.
There is also a practical incentive for early birds. Y has introduced a discounted early-arrival ticket, with attendees required to arrive by 1PM to access the special rate. Those arriving later will pay an additional fee at the door.
LYFE 2026 takes place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at Marks Park, Emmarentia. The event is strictly 18+.
For a city whose cultural identity is constantly evolving, LYFE is creating space for the artists and sounds helping shape what comes next.
Tickets are available through Webtickets.
