Mandela Day comes alive in song at Bassline FEST 2025
This Mandela Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Bassline are joining forces for an unforgettable celebration of music, memory and impact. Bassline FEST, in partnership with the Foundation and others, will take place on Friday 18 July 2025, at the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.
The live show will feature powerful performances from Grammy-nominated MÖRDA and the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, including a special song dedicated to Nelson Mandela in honour of his legacy. The show will open with an acoustic blend of soulful rhythms by Brandon Aura, an emerging artist, to set the tone for this life-changing experience.
"Bassline opened its doors 31 years ago in September 1994, inspired by the belief that anything is possible, always choosing to see the positive side of life, the best version of ourselves and the opportunities around us. Like many businesses in South Africa entering their fourth decade, our journey was deeply inspired by Nelson Mandela," says Brad Holmes, founder of Bassline.
"This show is more than just a performance by incredible artists; it’s a celebration of love, community and collective action. It’s about bringing people together through storytelling, music and shared purpose. We want people to take action, to create change in each other’s lives, while honouring someone who inspired us to become better versions of ourselves,” he adds.
As part of the event, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will present an exhibition on the Life and Times of Nelson Mandela, a curated experience tracing Madiba’s journey from rural beginnings to global icon. It invites guests to reflect on his life, his values and our shared duty to continue his work.
In the spirit of the 2025 theme, “It is still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity”, Bassline will host a blanket drive, asking patrons to bring blankets to donate to communities in need this winter.
There is also an option for attendees to contribute to the blanket drive by making a donation when purchasing tickets, making it easy to give even if you cannot bring a physical blanket.
This is more than a concert; it’s a call to act, reflect and unite. Through rhythm, remembrance and small acts of generosity, we honour Madiba not just in our words, but also in our actions.
To join us for this extraordinary Mandela Day celebration, visit Bassline’s website to secure your ticket and be part of something greater. Come and enjoy music, donate a blanket, honour Madiba’s legacy and let’s make history together.