FEATURED l Kwaito in Symphony: When the Streets Meet the Orchestra, Mamelodi Rises.
By Mamelodi News
Tshwane, Pretoria - Get ready! On 16 November 2025 at 4 PM, the State Theatre in Tshwane will come alive with Kwaito in Symphony. Kwaito stars like Trompies, Zola, and Nkalakatha Boys will perform their hits with a full orchestra. This is big. This is home. Mamelodi News spoke to the people behind the show.
Kwaito is our music. It comes from the streets. It speaks of joy, struggle, and pride. But it has never been treated like classical music. Kwaito in Symphony changes that.
We want the world to see: Our music is not just fun, it is history. It is power. By putting kwaito legends with a big orchestra, we honour the past and build a new future. This show joins street energy with classical class. It shows that the township and the concert hall belong together.
Zola brings his deep words. Trompies bring the groove. Nkalakatha Boys bring fire. Together, they worked with composers to turn their songs into something new, with violins, drums, and brass.
One magic moment? When Nkalakatha Boys heard their song “Nkalakatha” with a full orchestra for the first time. The bass hit. The strings sang. Some people cried. It felt like Mandoza was back.
The Soweto Theatre Youth Orchestra is not just playing behind, they are stars too. Young players from townships show that classical music belongs to us.
This tells every young musician in Mamelodi: You can stand on the big stage. You belong there. Mamelodi is the home of rhythm. From jazz to pantsula to kwaito, it all grew here. This show is not just in Tshwane. It is for Mamelodi. It is coming home.
We want the next young artist in Mamelodi to see this and think: “If kwaito can meet the orchestra, my dream can come true too.” Kwaito started on dusty streets. Now it’s in a theatre with French horns. That means anything is possible.
Tickets cost R350 to R750. VIP gets better seats, gifts, and a special meet-up before the show.
But every seat will feel special. The music will move you, no matter where you sit.
Never been to an orchestra? This is your first time made easy. You’ll hear songs you know, played in a powerful new way.
We are working with schools, taxis, churches, and local groups so everyone can come. Students, aunties, drivers, dancers, all are welcome.
This is not just one night. We want Kwaito in Symphony to travel. Yes, Mamelodi will get its own show one day. This music was born in the township. It must come back. “When the streets meet the symphony, Africa rises.”
Because our story is not small. It is big. It is beautiful. It is ready for the world.
Get your ticket now at the State Theatre or online. Mamelodi, Tshwane, let’s fill the hall. This is OUR night.
Also check out other Music events in Pretoria, Entertainment events in Pretoria, Arts events in Pretoria.
