Iconic South African music festival ROCKING THE DAISIES celebrates its 20th anniversary this October with a historic multi-day edition that brings together global icons, homegrown stars, and cultural partners for the biggest festival yet.
EARL SWEATSHIRT TO HEADLINE
Earl Sweatshirt, born Thebe Kgositsile, has been announced as one of the headliners of this year’s festivities. Earl is the son of American civil rights advocate Cheryl Harris and celebrated South African poet and activist Keorapetse Kgositsile, and the nephew of late jazz legend Hugh Masekela.
In the early 2010s, alongside childhood friends Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean, Earl spearheaded the music and art movement Odd Future, paving the way for a new generation of artists across music, visual art, fashion, film and live performance
Characterised by subversive rhetoric, a mix of pensive subject matter and childlike humour, and sharp lyricism, Earl’s headline performance at #RTD20 promises to not only be a spectacle, but also a moment of cultural significance for him and his many South African fans.
NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL TALENT ON THE ROCKING THE DAISES 20 LINE-UP:
SUMMER WALKER: Debut South African performance by Atlanta-born multi-platinum R&B sensation, lauded for her emotive sound and acclaimed albums Over It (2019) and Still Over It (2021).
MEREBA: Due to popular demand, this marks the second South African stint for Alabama-born neo-soul songbird and fan-favourite Mereba. With roots in Ethiopia by way of her father, her eclectic sound draws from global influences and is showcased in cult projects The Jungle Is the Only Way Out (2019) and AZEB (2021).
JESSIE REYEZ: Canadian singer-songwriter and pop marvel, Reyez broke through with her multi-platinum single “Figures” (2016). She has collaborated with J.I.D, 6lack, Lil Wayne, Calvin Harris and Miguel, and released acclaimed projects including Before Love Came To Kill Us (2020) and Paid In Memories (2025).
SAM TOMPKINS: Hailing from Eastbourne, England, he gained fame by busking and posting covers on YouTube before signing with Island Records in 2019. His debut album Hi, My Name Is Insecure (2024) received both fan and critical praise.
DJ STARRZA: Texas-raised DJ and cultural storyteller of Congolese heritage. Her high-energy style blends Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Afro Tech to create sonic narratives rooted in resilience and emotional truth.
DJEFF: Portuguese DJ and producer known for Afro-house and Afro-tech. With roots in Angola and Cape Verde, Djeff has become a major figure in the global dance scene.
NOTABLE LOCAL TALENT
Kabza Da Small, Focalistic, Que DJ, Loatinova Pounds, Mateki 2Shoes, Atmos Blaq, Marcus Harvey, Scotts Maphuma, Filah Lah Lah, LeeMcKrazy, DJ Zinhle, A-Reece, and more will represent South Africa’s dynamic and diverse music scene at #RTD20.
20 YEARS OF DAISIES: HISTORY
The inaugural Rocking the Daisies festival took place in Darling in 2005, drawing only a few thousand attendees. As the crowds grew, the event relocated to the larger Cloof Wine Estate, where it continues to be held today. The festival takes its name from the annual blooming of the Cape Daisy each late September and early October, a natural phenomenon unique to the region. Originally established as a rock festival, Daisies has since evolved through every era of music to reflect South Africa’s diverse and ever-changing soundscape. Over the past two decades, it has welcomed some of the world’s most influential artists, including Mac Miller, AKA, Black Coffee, Flume, Smino, Riky Rick, Stormzy, Aminé, Saba, Soulection, Joey Bada$$, Snoh Aalegra, 6lack, Kehlani, The 1975, J.I.D, Russ, and Greentea Peng.
THEME & DRESS CODE: 20 YEARS OF BLOOMING
The theme represents growth, new seasons, resilience, foundation, and national pride.
It is not just about the growth of the festival and the dominance of South African music and culture worldwide, but a celebration of South Africa itself and its people coming together.
Dress Code:
“Tell me you’re South African without telling me you’re South African”
“Dress as your South African alter-ego”
Whether that means a Springbok, a taxi driver, a Free State farmer, a SAPS or Metro officer, a politician, an iconic musician, a Skhothane, or a Pantsula, show us why you are Mzansi.
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