BreakOut Events has confirmed that legendary British synth-pop pioneers The Human League will return to South Africa in 2026, bringing their unmistakable electronic sound to both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The tour includes a headline performance at the inaugural Now Now Festival in Johannesburg, with special guests Blancmange, followed by a Cape Town show a few days later.
The Johannesburg date takes place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at Marks Park and marks the launch of the Now Now Festival – a brand-new live music experience celebrating the sound, style and spirit of classic hits that shaped generations.
The tour then moves to Cape Town, where The Human League and Blancmange will perform live at the Grand Arena at GrandWest on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
Tickets are on sale now via BreakOut Events and Webtickets.
The Human League: Synth-Pop Icons That Defined an Era
Few bands have left a mark on modern pop music quite like The Human League. Formed in Sheffield in the late 1970s, the group became one of the most influential acts of the synth-pop movement, pairing futuristic electronic production with sharp pop songwriting and a bold visual identity.
Their 1981 album Dare remains a landmark release, producing era-defining hits such as “Don’t You Want Me”, “Love Action (I Believe in Love)” and “Open Your Heart”. “Don’t You Want Me” reached number one in both the UK and the US, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Over the decades, the band has continued to evolve without losing their signature sound, releasing further classics including “Human”, “Fascination”, “Mirror Man” and “Tell Me When”.
With multiple Brit Awards, millions of records sold worldwide and a catalogue that continues to influence new generations of artists, The Human League remain one of pop music’s most enduring and celebrated acts.
Their upcoming South African shows promise a euphoric, hit-filled live experience steeped in synth-driven nostalgia.
Special Guests: Blancmange
Joining the tour are fellow UK electronic pioneers Blancmange. Formed in 1979 during the post-punk era, the duo began by experimenting with tape loops and unconventional sounds before evolving into one of Britain’s definitive electronic pop acts.
Blending synthesisers with surrealist flair, Blancmange delivered groundbreaking singles such as “Feel Me”, “Living on the Ceiling”, “Blind Vision” and “Don’t Tell Me”.
After a hiatus of more than 25 years, the band returned to the studio in 2011 and has since released a steady stream of new material, including the critically acclaimed album Private View, released by London Records in 2022.
Frontman Neil Arthur has remained creatively prolific, recording over a dozen Blancmange albums in the past 14 years while also collaborating on experimental side projects such as The Remainder, Fader, Near Future, and a recent collaboration with Benge and Vince Clarke of Erasure, Yazoo and Depeche Mode fame.
Now Now Festival: Johannesburg
The Now Now Festival marks the beginning of a new chapter for live music fans who grew up on — and still live for – iconic classic hits.
This event is brought to you in Association with BreakOut Events & HOT 102.7FM.
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
Time: 12:30 – 20:30
Venue: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Line-up: The Human League (UK), Blancmange (UK), with more artists to be announced
Ticket prices: General Admission from R795 (excluding R40 fee). VIP from R1695 (excluding R40 fee).
Cape Town Show Details
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Time: 19:00 – 23:00
Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Line-up: The Human League (UK) and Blancmange (UK)
This event is brought to you in Association with BreakOut Events & Smile 90.4FM.
Ticket prices: From R795 (excluding service fees)
A Rare Live Experience for SA Fans
With two unmissable South African dates – including the debut of the Now Now Festival – this tour offers fans a rare chance to experience true pioneers of British electronic music live. From chart-defining anthems to genre-shaping synth-pop, The Human League and Blancmange are set to deliver a powerful celebration of sound, style and nostalgia.
Tickets are on sale now via WebTickets and expected to sell fast. Get yours NOW!
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