Janet Jackson speaks onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on 5 November 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

• The DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival is back for its 11th edition.
• This year’s theme, 30 Years of Creative Freedom, will commemorate three decades of South Africa’s democracy.
• The festival will be headlined by global music icons Janet Jackson and Jill Scott.

The DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival is back for its 11th edition, and this year promises to be a spectacular celebration of music, food, and South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. 

Set to take place on 21 and 22 September 2024, the festival will be headlined by global music icons Janet Jackson and Jill Scott. This year’s theme, 30 Years of Creative Freedom, will commemorate three decades of South Africa’s democracy.

Janet Jackson’s triumphant return to the limelight

Janet Jackson’s return to the stage has been making headlines recently, marking a triumphant comeback for the legendary performer. 

After a period away from the spotlight, Jackson has captivated audiences with her electrifying performances in recent cities such as Miami and Los Angeles. Fans are eager to see her bring her high-energy show to South Africa, where her influence and music have resonated deeply over the years.

Jill Scott, a celebrated and beloved talent in South Africa, will also be gracing the stage. 

Known for her soulful voice and powerful performances, Scott’s presence is a testament to the enduring popularity of RnB music in South Africa. Her presence at the festival is sure to be a highlight, drawing in fans who have long appreciated her contributions to the genre.

The festival will not only feature the above-mentioned international stars but also an impressive lineup of local talent. Artists such as Sjava, Thandiswa Mazwai, and the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform, showcasing the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of South Africa, tying in with the celebration of the country’s creative freedom and the advances made in the past 30 years.

Going digital: A new ticketing experience

This year, the DStv Delicious Festival will implement a fully digital ticketing system through Ticketmaster. Attendees will no longer receive paper tickets or PDF versions via email or SMS. Instead, all tickets will be accessible digitally, streamlining the entry process that has been labelled slightly annoying by attendees in recent years (and reducing the environmental impact of the event).

At the time of writing, general admission tickets are priced at R1 050 each, while Delicious Lounge tickets are available for R3 250. Early bird parking tickets cost R100, but those opting to purchase parking on-site will need to pay R400 per vehicle. There is a limit of eight tickets per person per credit card, and tickets for Saturday and Sunday must be bought separately.