Star-studded line-up for Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-On

Cape Town is gearing up for its annual Festive Lights Switch-On, with Nasty C, the reunited Liquideep and award-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela among the headline acts announced for this year’s free event.

The City of Cape Town’s flagship festive celebration will take place at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street on Sunday, 29 November, with entertainment scheduled from 16:00 to 22:00.

The line-up brings together established South African performers, local talent and live entertainment as the Mother City prepares to welcome the festive season.

Nasty C, Liquideep and Amapiano stars headline

SAMA Award-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela will bring their Amapiano sound and summer hits to the stage.

They will be joined by Liquideep, the electronic music duo behind popular tracks including Fairytale, Still and Alone, who have recently reunited.

Multi-award-winning rapper Nasty C is also set to perform at the Grand Parade, while Afrikaans singer and former Idols contestant Monique Steyn will add another musical flavour to the event.

Cape Town talent takes centre stage

The event will also showcase homegrown performers, including Woodstock-born artist Ricky Vani Frontline, leader of Amafront, who returns after performing at the event in 2023.

Khayelitsha rapper Dee Koala will bring her distinctive hip-hop sound to the festivities.

Other performers include singer Ben Rodrigues, known for his pop anthems, and Cape Town-based singer and guitarist Vernon White, whose music blends soulful vocals with African influences in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

DJ Dre, known for his Heart FM breakfast show feature Thank Heart It’s FriDre, will keep the music going with high-energy mixes.

Neon Pulse will deliver an LED drumming performance, while the West London All Stars will also join the entertainment line-up.

Radio personality Tyrone Paulsen and award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver will host the event.

Dance competition returns for 2026

The annual Move with Melody Dance Competition will once again give aspiring dancers the opportunity to perform at one of Cape Town’s biggest festive events.

Ten dance crews will compete at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on 21 November 2026, with the top three finalists earning a place on the main Festive Lights stage.

Entries are open until 9 November 2026.

Aspiring contestants can submit a video entry by tagging @CTfestivelights and using the hashtag #FLSODance2026 on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. Entries can also be sent via WhatsApp to 076 179 7047.

City invites residents to celebrate

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the event was about celebrating the city’s culture and creativity while bringing communities together.

“The Festive Lights Switch-On is not only about ushering in the festive season, but also about celebrating the year that has passed while looking forward to a new one,” Smith said.

He added that the line-up would offer something for different audiences, from established performers to local artists.

The free event is open to residents and visitors, with live music, dance and entertainment planned throughout the afternoon and evening.

Event details

• Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026
• Time: 16:00 to 22:00
• Location: Grand Parade and Adderley Street, Cape Town
• Cost: Free