South Africa’s music, culture and identity will be celebrated in the heart of London on 18 July 2026 as Sjava, Jesse Clegg, Msaki,Sun El Musician, Thakzin, Sipho Mchunu and many more to be confirmed soon, headline a landmark Nelson Mandela Day Concert at Trafalgar Square.
Marking Nelson Mandela Day and 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, the event brings South African music to one of the world’s most iconic public spaces, a site closely linked to the global anti-apartheid movement and Nelson Mandela’s historic address following his release from prison.
At the centre of the programme is Scatterlings, a cultural movement inspired by Scatterlings of Africa, the iconic song created by Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu. The project celebrates connection, belonging and the shared stories that unite people across cultures and generations.
Jesse Clegg and Msaki, founding voices behind Scatterlings, will be joined by Sipho Mchunu of Juluka fame and others to carry that message forward for a new era.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “This is a love letter to South Africa and to every South African who has ever carried their identity far from home. On 18 July, at Trafalgar Square, we are not just celebrating Mandela’s legacy. We are living it.”
Jesse Clegg added: “Scatterlings is about connection between people, cultures and generations. To bring this music and message to Trafalgar Square on Nelson Mandela Day is incredibly meaningful and a chance to celebrate South Africa with the world.”
The London event takes place just weeks before the inaugural Scatterlings Music Festival in Johannesburg on 1 August 2026, extending the same spirit of unity, culture and celebration from Trafalgar Square back to South African soil. This event will take place at Huddle Park and feature the following stellar line up:
Zakes Bantwini
Sjava
Msaki
Sun El Musician
Jesse Clegg
Sminofu
J’Something
Jabulile Majola
MUZI
Simmy & Kenza
TRESOR
Scatterlings is proud to be part of the Nelson Mandela Day Concert, Trafalgar Square, London which is supported by the Department of Sport, Art and Culture; Brand South Africa, South African Tourism and the South African High Commission,
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ENDS
Event Information
Nelson Mandela Day, Trafalgar Square
Featuring Scatterlings
Saturday 18 July 2026
Trafalgar Square, London
Free public event
Website:www.scatterlings.co
