Award-winning marquee delivers an unforgettable celebration of African excellence through fashion, music, culinary artistry and premium hospitality.

Saso’s Marquee Experience once again reaffirmed its place as one of the defining destinations at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, delivering an unforgettable day where luxury, culture, fashion and world-class entertainment came together in spectacular fashion.

Returning for its third year at Africa’s greatest horse racing and lifestyle event, the award-winning marquee welcomed guests to an immersive experience that celebrated contemporary African excellence through thoughtfully curated moments, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable performances.

The highlight of the day belonged to MaXhosa Africa, whose breathtaking Atelier collection captivated guests during a landmark runway presentation. Marking the brand’s first-ever fashion showcase at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the collection celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and contemporary African luxury, transforming the marquee into a world-class fashion destination.

Beyond the runway, MaXhosa Africa’s signature design language was woven throughout Saso’s Marquee Experience, with the brand also showcasing its distinguished furniture and homeware collection. Featuring bespoke couches, cushions, rugs, umbrellas and carefully curated décor elements, MaXhosa Africa brought this year’s country allure and African frontier-inspired theme to life, creating a striking visual identity that seamlessly blended luxury, culture and contemporary African design.

Adding to the spectacle was a surprise appearance by internationally acclaimed dance sensation Robot Boii, whose energetic performance brought an exciting fusion of fashion, movement and entertainment to the runway, creating one of the day’s most talked-about moments.

Music provided the soundtrack to the celebration, with electrifying performances from some of South Africa’s biggest stars. Amapiano pioneer Kabza De Small delivered an unforgettable headline set, while K.O., Sykes, DJ LeSoul, Benny Maverick, DJ Feel, Goldmax and a carefully curated line-up of artists kept guests entertained throughout the day.

One of the marquee’s most memorable highlights came during the specially curated Stella Artois Moment, where acclaimed vocalist Zawadi Yamungu delivered a moving performance celebrating African heritage, identity and artistry. Her captivating set perfectly embodied the spirit of Saso’s Marquee Experience and left guests with a truly unforgettable cultural moment.

As the celebrations continued, Moët & Chandon raised a toast to another successful edition of Saso’s Marquee Experience, celebrating three remarkable years of delivering premium hospitality and unforgettable moments at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The toast marked not only another successful event, but also the continued growth of a marquee that has become synonymous with luxury, culture and excellence.

Guests were also treated to an exceptional culinary experience curated by Chef Tuladou, who partnered with Rajah, Knorr and Robertsons to create a vibrant Harvest Table inspired by bold African flavours, seasonal ingredients and generous hospitality. The thoughtfully curated dining experience further elevated the day’s offering, ensuring every aspect of the marquee reflected the premium standard for which it has become renowned.

Supported by a distinguished portfolio of partners including MaXhosa Africa, Stella Artois, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy, Mercedes-Benz, Rajah, Knorr, Robertsons and Red Bull, every detail of the experience was intentionally designed to celebrate African creativity while delivering world-class hospitality.

“Every year we challenge ourselves to create something that feels fresh, memorable and proudly African,” says Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo. “Seeing our guests experience the MaXhosa Atelier showcase, celebrate incredible music and enjoy moments curated by our partners was incredibly rewarding. We’re proud of what we’ve built over the past three years, and this year’s edition was our most exciting yet.”

Following its recognition as Best Marquee in 2025, this year’s Saso’s Marquee Experience continued to raise the standard for premium hospitality at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, reaffirming its reputation as a destination where fashion, culture, music and luxury converge.

As the curtains close on another unforgettable edition, Saso’s Marquee Experience looks ahead to the future, continuing its mission to create experiences that celebrate African excellence while redefining luxury hospitality on one of the country’s biggest cultural stages.