In a thrilling announcement for music aficionados across South Africa, Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G is poised to captivate audiences with his enchanting melodies this October.
Renowned for his smooth jazz compositions and romantic ballads, Kenny G, born Kenny Gorelick, has established himself as a global musical icon, with performances celebrated for their emotive resonance and captivating artistry.
Kenny G’s return to SA is highly anticipated, providing fans of all generations an opportunity to experience his unique musical charm live this October.
The artist first gained prominence in the late 1980s and has since become one of the best-selling instrumental musicians worldwide, boasting over 75 million records sold.
Hits such as “Songbird” and “Forever in Love” showcase his adeptness at blending genres, and merging elements of pop and R&B with traditional jazz, thereby cementing his status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Known for his extravagant live performances, Kenny G's shows are a mix of exquisite ballads that touch the hearts of audience members.
His saxophone tells stories with each note played, leaving concert-goers utterly mesmerised by his skillful improvisation and heartfelt expressiveness.
“It’s been way too long since our last visit to South Africa. We had an incredible time performing for such a warm and passionate audience. We are really looking forward to finally coming back to share our music with all of you again," states Kenny G.
The saxophonist's distinctive sound is immediately recognised, just as much as his iconic curly hair. His recent album, “New Standards”, marks a continuation of his illustrious career, being his 19th studio album and the first since “Brazilian Nights" in 2015.
The album not only revisits classic jazz melodies from the '50s and '60s but also explores fresh musical landscapes through modern studio technology.
Kenny G, who has seen both commercial success and critical acclaim - including 15 Grammy nominations and a Guinness World Record for the longest sustained note on the saxophone - adapts and innovates, ensuring that his music remains relevant.
He expresses pride in having created a genre around his sound: “I’m proud of the fact it was a new style of music that no one was either playing or writing at the time,” he reflects.
The smooth jazz he popularised has drawn in numerous listeners who were previously outside the realms of traditional jazz.
This upcoming tour will feature three shows in SA:
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Durban ICC, Durban
- Thursday, October 2, 2025: Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
- Saturday, October 4, 2025: SunBet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria
Tickets for this highly sought-after tour will go on sale on Friday, March 28, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early due to expected high demand.
The tickets will be available through the Breakout Events website.
Kenny G’s music has recently transcended traditional charts, thanks to a spike in his pop culture presence, making it "cool" to embrace his artistry.
This includes being the subject of a humorous documentary and appearing on platforms that engage younger audiences with his smooth sax sound.
As he prepares to take the stage once again, he remains a relatable figure, laughing about his image as pop culture continues to evolve.
While Kenny G lights up the stage this October, he is not alone in bringing exhilarating performances to South African shores.
Travis Scott is set to electrify the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on October 11 as part of his “Circus Maximus” world tour, while Summer Walker will headline the popular Rocking the Daisies festival in Cape Town.
This October promises an unforgettable musical experience for fans across the country.