Once Upon a Time in Joburg Returns This June with a Soulful Bang

Johannesburg’s most enchanting celebration of live R&B and neo-soul is back for its second edition—and it’s promising an even richer, smoother, and more soul-stirring experience.

Mark your calendars: Once Upon a Time in Joburg is set to transform James & Ethel Gray Park into a sonic dreamland on Saturday, June 21, 2025, running from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Following the success of its debut in 2024, this year’s festival builds on its mission to spotlight authentic, genre-blurring sounds rooted in rhythm, blues, and soul—both from home soil and beyond.

🌿 The Location

Tucked away in the heart of the city, James & Ethel Gray Park offers the perfect backdrop for an open-air musical escape. Expect picnic vibes, sunset singalongs, and a community of music lovers coming together to soak in a day of feel-good frequencies under the Johannesburg winter sun.

🎤 The Lineup (So Far)

The 2025 lineup is already turning heads. South African vocal powerhouses Nanette and Shekhinah are set to take the stage, delivering their signature blend of vulnerability and vocal prowess. Whether it’s Nanette’s ethereal R&B stylings or Shekhinah’s chart-topping neo-soul grooves, local talent will be in full force.

On the international front, American rapper and genre-defying artist GoldLink brings his infectious energy and eclectic soundscapes to the main stage. Known for hits like Crew and his fusion of hip-hop, go-go, and soul, his set is sure to be a festival highlight.

Joining him is UK sensation Sasha Keable, whose smoky vocals and emotionally rich storytelling have earned her comparisons to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Jorja Smith. Her inclusion signals the festival’s dedication to curating a truly global soul experience.

And this is just the beginning—more acts will be revealed soon.

🎶 More Than a Concert

Once Upon a Time in Joburg isn’t just another music festival. It’s a cultural moment—one that carves out space for slow jams, live instruments, and voices that feel like velvet. Expect a multi-sensory experience: food trucks dishing up gourmet street food, curated drink offerings, pop-up art installations, and cozy corners to lounge with your people between sets.

Whether you’re a day-one fan of neo-soul or new to the scene, this is your invitation to unplug from the noise and reconnect with music that moves you.

Tickets are expected to go fast—so keep an eye on the official festival channels for updates on pricing, artist additions, and more.

Until then, tell a friend to tell a friend: Once Upon a Time in Joburg is back, and it’s about to make June unforgettable.