Kenny G, the Grammy-award winning saxophonist, is set to embark on an exciting South African tour this October, bringing his signature melodies to eager fans across the country. With a career that has spanned more than four decades, Kenny G is recognized as one of the best-selling instrumental artists of all time, boasting over 75 million albums sold globally. His unique sound and timeless hits, such as “Songbird” and “Forever in Love,” have captured the hearts of millions, and now South African audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience his magic live on stage.
The upcoming South Africa tour will feature Kenny G performing a collection of his most beloved hits, alongside new material from his latest album. Fans can expect an evening filled with breathtaking musicality, soulful improvisation, and the signature smooth jazz that has made Kenny G a household name worldwide. “It’s been way too long since our last visit to South Africa,” he shared. “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.”
The tour will feature three major performances: on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Durban ICC in Durban; on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town; and on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Tickets for these highly anticipated events will go on sale starting March 28, 2025, through the official website breakout.events.
Kenny G's return to South Africa is particularly noteworthy, as it marks his first performance in the country in over two decades. Reflecting on his past experiences, he expressed his excitement about reconnecting with the South African audience. “I was in South Africa about 20 years ago, and the last time was brilliant. I’m really looking forward to it because it’s been years, so this tour is way overdue,” he told reporters.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kenny G has not only sold millions of albums but has also won multiple platinum and gold records, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. His contributions to music have allowed him to captivate audiences worldwide with his emotive performances. During a recent conversation, he reminisced about some of his most memorable venues, highlighting the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall in London and the historic Budokan in Tokyo as standout locations in his career. “One venue that stood out for me was Royal Albert Hall—it was such a beautiful concert hall. But the most memorable for me is the Budokan in Tokyo. It’s so iconic. Those two really stand out,” he remarked.
As the tour date approaches, Kenny G is preparing for his performances with his usual meticulous routine. He shared insights into his show-day preparations, emphasizing the importance of practice. “If the show is at 8 PM, I arrive at the venue by noon and practice with my saxophone for an hour before having lunch. Then I practice with another saxophone for an hour and a half, so I get about two and a half hours of practice in. By 3 PM, the band arrives and does their thing for an hour, and by 4 PM, we start sound check,” he explained. “I usually join in at around 5 PM for an hour. Between 6 PM and 8 PM, I steam my clothes and get ready for the show. I don’t eat anything until after, and that’s my routine before performing.”
Despite the high-pressure nature of live performances, Kenny G insists that nerves never get in his way. “I don’t get nervous—it’s more excitement. I’ve done so many shows in so many venues that I don’t let nerves affect my playing,” he stated confidently.
Looking back on his career, Kenny G recalled the moment he realized he had made it as a musician. “That moment happened in Los Angeles, on the famous Sunset Boulevard. One day, I was driving down Sunset Boulevard, and I saw my face on a billboard. That’s when it hit me—I had made it,” he reminisced.
As the tour dates approach, excitement is building among fans eager to witness Kenny G's enchanting performances. With tickets priced at R795 for general admission (excluding a R35 ticket service fee), jazz lovers are encouraged to secure their spots quickly, as demand is expected to be high. The venues for the performances are as follows:
- Durban ICC: 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban 4001, GPS: S 29 51.166 / E 31 01.791
- Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town: 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park, Cape Town, 7460, GPS: S 33 55 9.11 / E 18 32 46.15
- SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria: 209 Aramist Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria 0010, GPS: 25.7886° S, 28.2819° E
With a career built on passion, precision, and a deep connection to his instrument, Kenny G is set to bring his magic back to South Africa, promising an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers across the country. This tour not only marks a long-awaited return but also a celebration of his lasting legacy in the world of music.
