Weekend Argus Entertainment

Experience the vibrant electronic scene: Fabric's landmark events in Johannesburg and Cape Town

Weekend Argus Reporter|Published

The fabric Cape Town dance event held at the Castle of Good Hope.

Image: Supplied

On the 9th and 10th of January 2026, fabric London, the iconic electronic music brand, delivered a transformative experience for dance music enthusiasts in South Africa, wrapping up two explosive events that highlighted the region's vibrant electronic scene. Both Johannesburg and Cape Town pulsated with energy as crowds danced to the beats of international and local talent, solidifying fabric's legacy in the global electronic music landscape.

The Johannesburg event, held at the renowned AND Club and Carfax, was a full three-floor takeover in partnership with the esteemed techno promoters TOYTOY. The festivities ran deep into the night, creating an electrifying atmosphere from the very first act. South African house legend Vinny da Vinci headlined alongside a carefully curated lineup that included Abby Nurock, Avi Subban, Black Lake, Bongani Zulu, Cornelius SA, Illing, Karmerr, Paulo Lundall, Sanetran, Sir LSG, and Transmicsoul. Together, these artists fused deep house, techno, and soulful grooves, providing an unforgettable soundtrack in Johannesburg's nightlife hub.

Meanwhile, the Cape Town event transformed the historic Castle of Good Hope into a breathtaking sonic wonderland. The sold-out show featured the beloved disco collective Horse Meat Disco, whose energetic performance exhilarated attendees. Local talents like Athie Umgido, Digital Sangoma, Irshaad S, Lady M, Leighton Moody, Miss CJ, Raresoftware, Resident DTK, Thamiache, Wata Mami, and YAMZ contributed to an eclectic bill that blended house, disco, and experimental beats, seamlessly mirroring the artistic ingenuity of South Africa.

Both nights were marked by world-class production, with jaw-dropping visuals in the Dolphin Pond created by Dreamrec, pushing the event experience into immersive new realms. Headliners Marcel Dettmann, Gerd Janson, and Gabrielle Kwarteng delivered commanding sets that resonated with both local and international audiences, truly reinforcing fabric's reputation for musical excellence and forward-thinking curation.

The fabric Cape Town dance event held at the Castle of Good Hope was sold out.

Image: Supplied

As crowds remained fully engaged on the dance floor from start to finish, the collective energy was palpable. Reviewers noted the flawless execution of the events, applauding the successful fusion of international and local sounds that encapsulated the essence of South Africa’s dynamic electronic community.

Richard Marshall, Director of Sub Sahara, articulated the significance of these events, stating, “The incredible list of local supporting acts we assembled for Johannesburg and Cape Town truly showcased the depth and diversity of South Africa's electronic music talent. These shows were electric, blending fabric's 25-year legacy of world-class curation with the raw energy and creativity of local artists. It was a game-changer for dance music fans, creating connections that transcended borders and ignited the dancefloor like never before.”

As the echoes of these landmark shows fade, the success of fabric London in South Africa stands as a powerful testament to the potential of global musical exchange and the vibrancy of the local electronic music community.