Red Bull Symphonic is back, and it’s making major noise. Set to take over The Teatro, Montecasino on June 6th and 7th, the 2025 edition brings a genre-defying twist to Johannesburg’s cultural calendar, with Amapiano maestro Kelvin Momo taking the lead.
This year, world-renowned composer Adam Howard and the illustrious Egoli Symphonic Orchestra will join the soulful architect of log drum and groove for what promises to be a spellbinding sonic collision.
Expect Momo’s signature, soul-stirring sound to be reimagined in a larger-than-life format, where street rhythms meet symphonic elegance. It’s a two-night affair where Amapiano gets the orchestral treatment, bold, breathtaking, and brilliantly Black.
Amapiano’s soft-spoken genius, Kelvin Momo, is stepping into an entirely new sonic universe this June—and he’s taking the genre with him. Known for pioneering the emotionally rich, jazz-infused sound of private school Amapiano, Momo will headline Red Bull Symphonic 2025 in a one-of-a-kind collaboration with Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra.
More than a performance, it’s a moment, one that will explore Amapiano’s roots, evolution, and boundless future. With every key, drumline, and string arrangement, Momo’s signature sound will be elevated to orchestral heights, proving once again that South African music knows no limits.
Commenting on having an orchestra interpret his songs Kelvin Momo said, “It’s such an incredible honour to headline this year’s Red Bull Symphonic. As a producer, my passion lies in pushing boundaries, and seeing my sound, private school amapiano, come to life with an orchestra is one for the history books.”
At the helm of this year’s Red Bull Symphonic is Adam Howard, a maestro whose musical journey is as diverse as the sounds he conducts. A classical virtuoso with jazz roots and a deep love for the streets, Howard has spent over two decades orchestrating magic across genres in South Africa’s ever-evolving music landscape.
From lending his horn to Kwaito trailblazers like Brenda Fassie and TKZee, to working with global heavyweights like Alicia Keys and the legendary Hugh Masekela, Howard’s resume is a genre-spanning masterclass. After gracing last year’s Red Bull Symphonic stage as part of the orchestra, he returns this year to lead the charge, baton in hand, Yanos on deck, and an orchestra ready to bring the beat to life.
Under the baton of Adam Howard, the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra is more than just an ensemble; it’s the heartbeat of a new era in South African orchestral music. Crafted with purpose and powered by some of the country’s most elite musicians, the orchestra is built to bend genres, challenge expectations, and spark collaboration.
Red Bull Symphonic: Amapiano, The Next Chapter Date: 06 – 07 June 2025 Venue: The Teatro, Montecasino
For more details and ticket purchases, head over to the official event page here
