Some songs become more than music.

They become part of a country's story.

This August, one of South Africa's most iconic songs lends its name to a brand-new music festival as Scatterlings makes its debut in Johannesburg.

Taking place on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at Huddle Park in Linksfield, the one-day festival brings together some of the country's biggest artists for a celebration of South African music, culture and live performance. Curated by Jesse Clegg and Msaki, the festival draws inspiration from Johnny Clegg's musical legacy while creating a platform for today's leading performers.

A Festival Inspired by a South African Classic

The festival takes its name from Scatterlings of Africa, one of Johnny Clegg's best-known songs.

More than simply paying tribute, the festival celebrates the spirit of connection that defined Johnny Clegg's career. It also forms part of the wider Scatterlings project, which includes a forthcoming album featuring contemporary South African artists reinterpreting songs associated with Johnny Clegg's catalogue.

Rather than focusing on one musical style, Scatterlings brings together artists from across South Africa's diverse music landscape, creating a programme that blends Afro-pop, Afro-house, soul, folk, electronic music and contemporary African sounds.

A Line-up Worth Arriving Early For

The debut festival features an impressive collection of award-winning artists, including:

• Zakes Bantwini
  Sjava
  Tresor
  Sun-El Musician
  Simmy
  Msaki
  MUZI
  Jesse Clegg
  J'Something
  Zolani Mahola
  Sminofu
  Jabulile Majola

The organisers have described Scatterlings as more than a concert. It is intended as a shared celebration where established performers, emerging artists and audiences come together through music and storytelling.

More Than a Day of Live Music

What sets Scatterlings apart is its focus on collaboration.

Instead of simply presenting one performance after another, the festival has been designed around the idea that music has the power to bring people together across generations, cultures and genres. That philosophy echoes Johnny Clegg's career, which celebrated South Africa's diversity through music that crossed cultural boundaries.

Set against the open spaces of Huddle Park, the festival promises a full day where live performances, shared experiences, and South African talent take centre stage.

Before You Go

Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026

Time: From 12:00

Venue: Huddle Park, 121 Club Street, Linksfield, Johannesburg

Tickets:

General Admission: From R350
Inner Circle: From R650
VIP: From R1,500
VVIP: From R2,500

Age Restriction: Strictly no under 18s.

Accessibility: Huddle Park's main facilities are wheelchair accessible. Some outdoor areas include grass and gravel surfaces that may require assistance.

The Bottom Line

Johannesburg has no shortage of music festivals, but Scatterlings arrives with a story that sets it apart.

Inspired by one of South Africa's most influential musicians and featuring an exceptional line-up of local talent, the festival celebrates more than live entertainment. It celebrates the music, creativity and shared experiences that continue to bring South Africans together. If its debut lives up to its ambition, Scatterlings could become one of Johannesburg's signature annual music events.