Multi-grammy Award-winning James Bay Announces First-ever South Africa Tour in March 2025

James Bay

Internationally acclaimed and multi-Grammy award-winning, singer-songwriter James Bay is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour across South Africa, bringing his soulful melodies and electrifying performances to fans in Cape Town and Joburg next March.

The UK hitmaker’s artistry blends soulful storytelling with modern musicianship. He’s been in the musical spotlight for more than a decade now, but ask James Bay if he’s satisfied with where he’s landed at this current moment in time and he’ll unabashedly tell you he’s never felt more proud than he does with his latest work.

While Bay finds himself openly expressing himself via his lyrics on his new LP, Changes All The Time, the musician says he’s beyond charged up to hit the stage with his new material. Executing in the live concert setting, as he’s come to realize at this stage in his career, he says is all about “graduating up through different levels of effortlessness.” Bay adds, “I’m trying to relax in my skin more and more onstage. You get one go at it every night live. I want to blow someone away. I want to impress them. That’s the best thing in the world.

When onstage, he also aims to channel some of his musical heroes. Being the musical encyclopedia he is, Bay casually references not only his admiration for artists such as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, but also his well-attuned appreciation for how they carried themselves onstage. “Aretha and Ray Charles were certainly gifted and born with something natural, but the way they harnessed those things they were born with and effortlessly over time delivered with confidence and conviction such moving performances, that’s what I’m striving for.

He’s released a Number One album in the UK (2015’s breakout debut, Chaos and the Calm), scaled the pop charts with his mammoth single “Let It Go,” toured with The Rolling Stones, opened for Bruce Springsteen, been bowed down to by Queen’s Brian May for his guitar prowess, and this summer shared the stage at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Fenway Park with longtime friend and ‘Hurt Somebody’ hitmaker, Noah Kahan. But never before has Bay been more sure of himself than he is now.

The tour will kick off in March 2025, featuring stops in major cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town at two of the country’s most iconic outdoor venues.

James Bay SA Tour Dates are as follows:

  • CAPE TOWN: Thursday, 27th March 2025 – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
  • JOHANNESBURG: Saturday, 29th March 2025 – Marks Park, Emmarentia

Tickets on sale from breakoutevents.co.za from Wednesday, October 30th at 9am local time.

With his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, Bay has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for hits like “Hold Back the River” and “Let It Go,” he combines folk, rock, and pop elements, creating a sound that resonates deeply with listeners. This tour marks Bay’s first visit to South Africa, and he is excited to connect with his dedicated fan base in Mzansi.

The South African tour will feature a mix of new tracks from his latest album, along with beloved classics. Each performance promises to be an intimate experience, showcasing Bay’s incredible talent and emotional depth.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 30th October through breakoutevents.co.za/, so be sure to get yours to see James Bay live.