Telkom connects isicathamiya with the symphonic tradition

Immediate Release

Telkom connects isicathamiya with the symphonic tradition

Durban, South Africa — 16 July 2026 — Classics on Turf, South Africa's uniquefusion of classical music, luxury lifestyle and sport-inspired elegance, returns toDurban for a second season, hosted at the Zimbali Capital Hotel & Spa on 14August 2026 from 18:30.

Classics on Turf is fast growing into one of South Africa’s most exciting and dynamicconcert platforms as it seeks to showcase relevant musical dialogue among SouthAfrica’s esteemed musicians from our diverse performance traditions. Their recentsold-out tribute concert in Johannesburg, paying homage to the historical figure TiyoSoga, was a confluence of heritage, preservation, symphony and choral excellence.Marching forth to this same beat, the next edition of Classics on Turf combines theunmistakable voices of five-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo with theharmonious accompaniment of the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at ZimbaliCapital Hotel and Spa.

Telkom sponsorship and music development

Now in the second year of sponsorship from Telkom, Classics on Turf hopes to makefurther strides in connecting music and turf sports, particularly golf, leveraging on thegrowing overlap in their audiences. Pumza Sobalisa, Co-CEO of Classics on Turfexplains how the marriage between the arts and sport is often under-appreciated. “Weare delighted to welcome lovers of golf to the pristine fairways and greens of the KloofCountry Club in the earlier part of the day before our music team stage a concert withone of South Africa’s most iconic groups, Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Zimbali CapitalHotel and Spa. With the amazing support of Telkom for a second year, Classics on Turfwill also be impacting grassroots music development in workshops earlier in the week,which really excites us.”

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are no strangers to orchestral overtures. Their 2004 albumNo Boundaries, recorded with the English Chamber Orchestra, was Grammy nominated.Conductor and music curator of Classics on Turf Kutlwano Masote hasadditionally crafted fresh orchestrations that reflect the group’s sound today. SaysMasote, “My very first professional engagement as a conductor was with LadysmithBlack Mambazo and orchestra. It is truly an honour to go out on another play date withthem twenty years later. The audience is in for unforgettable musical treat!”

Partnership reach and event details

The three-year partnership with Telkom brings this event to stages in Johannesburg,Durban and Cape Town. Headline artists already showcased in the first year of Classicson Turf Made Possibly by Telkom are Judith Sephuma, Paul Hanmer and most recently,Msaki in Durban earlier this year. In 2025 Telkom also successfully introduced atechnological innovation which invited concert patrons to co-compose in an AI-drivenjingle performed on the night by the orchestra. This year’s innovation will see a greatermusicians’ pool connect with the audience more immediately thanks to the tools of AI.

Event Details

Venue: Zimbali Capital Hotel & SpaDate: 14 August 2026Time: 18:30Tickets are available on Webtickets from R400.

Media Enquiries:

LorainePR Liaison Classics on TurfEmail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 073 021 0533

ENDS