Telkom connects isicathamiya with the symphonic tradition

TELKOM connects isicathamiya with the symphonic tradition

Durban, South Africa — 16 July 2026 — Classics on Turf, South Africa's unique fusion of classical music, luxury lifestyle and sport-inspired elegance, returns to Durban for a second season, hosted at the Zimbali Capital Hotel & Spa on 14 August 2026 from 18:30.

Classics on Turf is fast growing into one of South Africa’s most exciting and dynamic concert platforms as it seeks to showcase relevant musical dialogue among South Africa’s esteemed musicians from our diverse performance traditions. Their recent sold-out tribute concert in Johannesburg, paying homage to the historical figure Tiyo Soga, was a confluence of heritage, preservation, symphony and choral excellence.

Marching forth to this same beat, the next edition of Classics on Turf combines the unmistakable voices of five-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo with the harmonious accompaniment of the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at Zimbali Capital Hotel and Spa.

Now in the second year of sponsorship from Telkom, Classics on Turf hopes to make further strides in connecting music and turf sports, particularly golf, leveraging on the growing overlap in their audiences. Pumza Sobalisa, Co-CEO of Classics on Turf explains how the marriage between the arts and sport is often under-appreciated.

“We are delighted to welcome lovers of golf to the pristine fairways and greens of the Kloof Country Club in the earlier part of the day before our music team stage a concert with one of South Africa’s most iconic groups, Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Zimbali Capital Hotel and Spa. With the amazing support of Telkom for a second year, Classics on Turf will also be impacting grassroots music development in workshops earlier in the week, which really excites us.”

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are no strangers to orchestral overtures. Their 2004 album No Boundaries, recorded with the English Chamber Orchestra, was Grammynominated.

Conductor and music curator of Classics on Turf Kutlwano Masote has additionally crafted fresh orchestrations that reflect the group’s sound today. Says Masote, “My very first professional engagement as a conductor was with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and orchestra. It is truly an honour to go out on another play date with them twenty years later. The audience is in for unforgettable musical treat!”

The three-year partnership with Telkom brings this event to stages in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Headline artists already showcased in the first year of Classics on Turf Made Possibly by Telkom are Judith Sephuma, Paul Hanmer and most recently, Msaki in Durban earlier this year. In 2025 Telkom also successfully introduced a technological innovation which invited concert patrons to co-compose in an AI-driven jingle performed on the night by the orchestra. This year’s innovation will see a greater musicians’ pool connect with the audience more immediately thanks to the tools of AI.

Event Details

Venue: Zimbali Capital Hotel & Spa

Date: 14 August 2026

Time: 18:30

Tickets are available on Webtickets from R400.

Media Enquiries:

Loraine

PR Liaison Classics on Turf

📧 loraine@76media.co.za

📞 073 021 0533

ENDS