YESTER-year musical legends converged at the iconic Orlando Amstel Arena for the launch of Unity Concert 2026
The historical 1985 Concert in The Park- first hosted at the Ellis Park- was packed to capacity that even ‘scared’ one of the founders and musician Mara Louw, who remarked “haiibo, what is this” as the fans packed both the ground and stands.
Revived by the Unity Concert Foundation in partnership with, the City of Johannesburg and Gauteng Department of Sports Arts and Culture, some of the legendary stars came to experience the launch, at the same time a handful of them partook in the 1985 concert.
The likes of Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Louw, PJ Powers, Juluka, and Blondie Makhene, were in attendance, so were other creative artists- young and old.
It has been scheduled for June 14 at Orlando Amstel Arena, as the country marks 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising; and 40 years since the legendary Concert in the Park.
Timed during Youth Month, just days before the official 50th anniversary commemorations of 1976, the concert places young South Africans at the heart of the story.
It will create a shared space where today’s youth, artists, and communities reflect on the legacy they inherit—and the future they are shaping.
Audiences can expect a vibrant, all-day musical journey blending jazz, pop, maskandi, Afro-fusion and amapiano, in a truly inclusive celebration of South Africa’s diverse soundscape.
Innocent Mabusela – CEO Jozi My Jozi said “For Jozi My Jozi, supporting the Unity Concert is about strengthening social cohesion and affirming Jozi as a city where culture drives unity and renewal.”
702 founder Stan Katz says, this is history in the making and looks forward to another exciting experience at Orlando Arena Stadium on the day.
“It will be magical and seeing some of our greats still doing what they know best, can’t wait,” he said, a remark that was echoed by another legendary PJ Powers aka Thandeka, always in good spirits.
Darrell Roodt, acclaimed filmmaker, will capture the heritage documentary, as it will tell the story of iconic music concerts using preserved archival footage from the 1985 Concert in the Park.
More artists will be confirmed at later stage, so will be ticket sales.
SABC 2 has partnered with the Unity Concert 2026.
All images Jacob MAWELA (MCs and co-founders of Unity Concert in the Park- Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and Mara Louw at the launch on Wednesday, afternoon at Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto).
