A century of African music deserves a celebration of extraordinary scale. Gallo has officially unveiled the full line-up for Gallo 100: The Sound of a Century, a landmark music festival taking place at Cape Town’s Grand Parade on 15 December 2026, headlined by internationally acclaimed South African DJ and producer Black Coffee.
Joining Black Coffee for the centenary celebration are some of South Africa’s most exciting and influential artists and DJs, including Uncle Waffles, DJ Maphorisa, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Sun-El Musician, Julian Gomes, Ami Faku, Oscar Mbo, Da Mike, Fraser Jones, LeloWhatsGood, Jay Jayy and Temple Boys, alongside special guests who will join the festivities on the day.
Presented in partnership with KFM, Gallo 100: The Sound of a Century will bring together an expansive mix of South African musical talent, celebrating the diversity, evolution and cultural influence of the sounds that have shaped generations.
2026 marks an extraordinary 100 years of recording, preserving and championing African music for Gallo. Since its establishment in 1926, the record label has played a defining role in the country’s musical history, building an enduring catalogue that spans genres, generations and cultural movements.
From jazz, mbaqanga and isicathamiya to maskandi, gospel, reggae, soul, kwaito, house and contemporary dance music, Gallo’s legacy reflects the many sounds and stories that have contributed to South Africa’s rich musical identity. Its catalogue includes recordings associated with some of the country’s most significant musical voices, including Solomon Linda, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Lucky Dube.
As Black Coffee leads the line-up, the festival will bring together a new generation of globally influential South African talent alongside established names who continue to move dancefloors and shape the country’s musical landscape. From the infectious energy of Amapiano and the deep rhythms of Afro House to soulful vocals and contemporary electronic sounds, the line-up reflects the breadth of musical expression that makes South Africa’s sound so distinctive.
The inclusion of artists spanning different genres and audiences speaks to the central idea behind Gallo 100 - music as a living archive. It captures the moments, movements and memories of a nation, connecting people across generations while constantly creating new sounds and cultural experiences.
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More than a concert, Gallo 100: The Sound of a Century is designed as a meeting point between music, memory, culture and the future. The festival will combine live performances with the energy of a large-scale festival experience, celebrating the songs that have shaped the past 100 years while making space for the music that will define the next century.
“Gallo’s centenary is not only a company milestone. It is a cultural milestone,” says Antos Stella, CEO of Music Arena. “For 100 years, Gallo has been part of the soundtrack of people’s lives. Gallo 100 is about celebrating the artists, producers, writers, communities and music lovers who have helped carry that story across generations. Bringing together artists who represent the diversity and continued evolution of South African music is a fitting way to honour that legacy and look towards the future.”
On 15 December, the Grand Parade will become a shared space for music lovers to experience the sounds, rhythms and creative talent that continue to define South Africa’s contribution to the global music landscape.
As Gallo celebrates its centenary, the message is clear: a century of music is not simply something to look back on. It is something to celebrate, experience and carry forward.
Be sure to follow @gallo100festival on socials for all updates and news.
Join the Gallo 100 celebrations and get your tickets from Howler today.
