Johannesburg, South Africa – The countdown is over, the full lineup has landed, and Cotton Fest 2025 is officially sold out! With an electric, genre-defying artist bill and a culture-rich program, this year’s edition of the iconic urban music festival has once again proved why it’s a non-negotiable on the local entertainment calendar.
When Is It Going Down?
The city’s heartbeat will echo through Newtown on Saturday, 26th April 2025, as The Station hosts the latest instalment of Cotton Fest. Expect a sprawling celebration of music, fashion, sport and street culture, with over 100 of South Africa’s boldest talents lighting up three dynamic stages.
Who’s On The Final Lineup?
This year’s festival continues its mission of uniting generations and genres. The final lineup sees a fierce fusion of hip hop, amapiano, house, R&B, trap, and gqom, ranging from industry heavyweights to rising disruptors.
Names like A-Reece, Cassper Nyovest, Big Zulu, Kabza De Small, Nadia Nakai, DJ Zinhle, Moozlie, Shekhinah, Focalistic, Makhadzi, and Young Stunna headline the bill, while fresh talents like Baby Daiz, Thee Buhle, Caleb Mxrch, and Asianwokstar promise to keep the energy unpredictable.
As always, the team hints at possible surprise guests on the day, a Cotton Fest signature move that fans have come to expect.
What Should You Wear?
While music’s the core, fashion is the pulse. Cotton Fest is where streetwear statements are made. Think graphic tees, crop tops, cargo pants, baggy denim, biker shorts, and bold accessories — bucket hats, chunky chains, and standout sneakers are standard issue. Add a layered flannel or hoodie for after-dark sets, and essentials like sunscreen, a power bank, and wipes for festival survival.
This is where Y2K throwbacks meet local designer flex — so mix prints, play with textures, and wear something that screams you.
What Else Is Happening?
Beyond the stages, expect a full festival ecosystem:
- The Tuckshop retail store for official Cotton Fest merch
- A Sports Arena with live skateboarding action
- The University Cafeteria, loaded with top-tier local food vendors
- Customisation stations, live art installations, and immersive brand activations
This year’s edition is powered by Coke Studio, Youth X by Nedbank, Flying Fish, Extreme, Klipdrift, Jägermeister, Play Energy, Vuse, and Velo. Broadcast partners include MTV Base and Y.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFO
- DATE: Saturday, 26 April 2025
- TIME: 12:00 – 02:00
- VENUE: The Station, Carr Street & Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown, JHB
- TICKETS: Now officially sold out