Freshly Ground and Congo Cowboys set to sing under the stars at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens will welcome in 2025 with an evening of live music at their Summer Sunset Concerts on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Freshlyground, a fixture of South Africa’s music scene for over 20 years, will perform with their new lead vocalist, Mbali Makhoba. This will be the band’s first performance at Kirstenbosch since Mbali joined, offering fans the chance to experience their Afro-pop sound with a fresh twist. 

Mbali shared her excitement about the event: "Being part of the Freshlyground legacy has been an incredible journey. To perform at Kirstenbosch—a venue steeped in culture, nature, and community—is both humbling and exhilarating. This concert will celebrate all the elements that make South Africa so extraordinary: our music, landscapes, and people. I can't wait to share the stage with the band and connect with our fans under the stars in this magical space."  

Joining the line-up are the Congo Cowboys, a trio blending Americana with African rhythms. Formed by Freshlyground’s Simon Attwell and Julio Sigauque, alongside Congolese artist Chris Bakalanga, the band’s unique fusion of Bluegrass, Kwassa Kwassa, and Soukous guitar has gained them global recognition. 

Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, reflected on the history of Freshlyground at the venue: “Freshlyground was an institution at Kirstenbosch for many years. We hosted their first big public concert on 12 January 2003, saw them rise to fame and perform for sold-out crowds at Kirstenbosch year after year, and then hosted their final concert on New Year’s Eve 2019 when the band members went their own ways. 

“We are so excited now to have Freshlyground back at Kirstenbosch for their first big performance with new lead singer Mbali Makhoba, complemented by the Congo Cowboys, who have wowed us lately with their delightful cultural blend and musical skill; this will be a very special concert.”  

Set against the iconic Table Mountain backdrop, the concert promises an evening of exceptional live music in one of Cape Town’s most beautiful settings. 

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Sunday, 5 January 2025

Time: Gates open at 16:00, Concert starts at 17:15

Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Tickets: Exclusively available via Webtickets or at the Kirstenbosch Garden

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