L’vovo Derrango is set to share the stage with the man who discovered him as he joins Zakes Bantwini’s Mayonie Open Air in Durban, adding another significant chapter to his comeback story.
The Kwaito star has been confirmed for the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal edition of Mayonie Open Air, taking place on 29 August at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga.
The festival lineup already includes some of South Africa’s biggest names in dance music, including DJ Kent, Bucie and NaakMusiQ, with L’vovo’s addition bringing an important Kwaito presence to an event centred on Afrohouse and Afrotech.
A reunion years in the making
L’vovo’s appearance carries particular significance because Mayonie Open Air founder Zakes Bantwini played a major role in discovering and introducing him to the music industry.
The two artists are now set to reunite on one of Durban’s biggest dance music stages, bringing their shared musical history full circle.
For L’vovo, the performance also comes at a pivotal point in his career. The artist has been rebuilding his life and career following a devastating stroke that nearly claimed his life. After collapsing on stage, he spent weeks in intensive care and was forced to confront major personal and professional setbacks.
His return to the stage has since become a story of resilience, with the Kwaito veteran gradually reconnecting with fans and the music industry.
His Mayonie Open Air performance adds another milestone to that journey.
Zakes Bantwini brings Mayonie home
For Bantwini, bringing the festival to Durban is about celebrating the city’s deep contribution to South African music while creating a platform for the next generation of African electronic music.
“Durban has always been an important part of South Africa’s music story. Bringing Mayonie Open Air here is about celebrating that legacy while creating a space for the next chapter of Afrohouse and Afrotech. We want people to come together, enjoy great music and experience the energy that Mayonie represents,” Bantwini said.
The reunion with L’vovo gives that statement an added layer, connecting the festival’s contemporary Afrohouse and Afrotech focus with an artist whose career has been deeply rooted in South Africa’s dance music culture.
A major Durban dance music gathering
Mayonie Open Air is positioning its Durban debut as more than a single-genre concert, bringing together established artists, dance music pioneers and contemporary performers.
With L’vovo Derrango joining DJ Kent, Bucie and NaakMusiQ, the festival is expected to attract music lovers from across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
The event will take place from 12pm to 10pm on 29 August at Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga.
Tickets are available exclusively through Howler.
