Mariah the Scientist Headlining the 1st Ever WAV Festival in CPT

Mariah the Scientist Is Coming to South Africa, Headlining the First-Ever WAV Festival in Cape Town!

Cape Town, get ready. The R&B event of the year is officially on the horizon! On January 2, 2026, the Mother City will host the inaugural WAV Festival, and leading the charge is none other than Mariah the Scientist, who’ll be performing in South Africa for the very first time.

Who Is Mariah the Scientist?

Mariah the Scientist, real name Mariah Buckles, has become one of the most captivating new voices in contemporary R&B. Hailing from Atlanta, her music blends sharp emotional storytelling with haunting melodies and futuristic production. Since the release of her breakout project Master and the acclaimed follow-ups Ry Ry World and To Be Eaten Alive, she’s carved out a space that’s equal parts vulnerable and self-assured.

Her artistry has earned her praise from platforms like Pitchfork, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, while her visuals and live performances showcase a creative mind that refuses to be boxed in. Now, for the first time, fans across South Africa will get to experience her world live, and what better setting than the shores of Cape Town?

 Welcome to WAV Festival, Where Soul Meets the Sea

Set for 2 January 2026, WAV Festival will transform Cape Town’s scenic Green Point precinct into a celebration of R&B, soul, and modern African culture. Presented by the team behind Afro Nation, the event promises to merge music, fashion, and design in one immersive coastal experience.

Picture this: the sun dipping behind Table Mountain, the ocean breeze rolling through, and smooth, sultry sounds from some of the best artists on the continent. It’s the perfect way to start the new year.

The Line-Up: A Wave of Talent

While Mariah the Scientist headlines the festival, she’s joined by a powerhouse roster of local and African talent redefining the soul and R&B landscape:

• Shekhinah – One of South Africa’s most loved R&B voices, bringing her chart-topping hits and undeniable stage presence.

• Nanette – The Durban-born songstress whose dreamy vocals and confident songwriting have made her one to watch.

• Manana – A soulful storyteller with a gift for heartfelt melodies that speak straight to the heart.

• Kelvin Momo – The amapiano maestro adding smooth, soulful energy to the mix.

• Kujenga – Known for their rich harmonies and alternative soul sound.

• Yandani – A rising local gem ready to make her mark on the big stage.

Together, these artists represent the best of where African R&B and soul are headed, fearless and globally resonant.

 Get Ready to Catch the Wave

Tickets for WAV Festival Cape Town 2026 will be dropping soon, and you’ll want to secure yours early. This is the kind of event people will be talking about all year long.

Keep an eye on WAV Festival’s official platforms for updates, ticket links, and more artist announcements.

Mariah the Scientist, Cape Town, and a brand-new celebration of R&B under the African sky it doesn’t get better than this.