SA: Busta Rhymes and Jason Derulo join DStv Delicious Festival line-up

After confirming earlier this week the withdrawal of pop icon Janet Jackson due to her brother’s passing, the organisers promised that “they were working tirelessly to ensure the experience remains extraordinary for fans.”

Busta Rhymes and Jason Derulo will bring their energy to the stage on Saturday, 21 September as the new headliners.

Busta Rhymes is celebrated for his rapid-fire lyrical delivery and electrifying performances, with 12 Grammy nominations, multiple platinum albums, and hits like ‘Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check’, ‘Break Ya Neck’, and ‘I Know What You Want’, to his name. He has collaborated with major artists such as Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. His ability to stay relevant across generations has cemented his status as one of hip hop’s most dynamic performers.

Jason Derulo, meanwhile, is an international pop sensation known for his infectious hits and impressive stage presence. With over 200 million records sold worldwide and multiple platinum-certified singles, Derulo has dominated the charts since his 2009 debut with ‘Whatcha Say’. Known for his smooth vocals, impeccable dance moves, and global hits like ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘Wiggle’, and ‘Savage Love’, Derulo has become a household name. A TikTok powerhouse as well, his creative videos have garnered billions of views, making him not just a pop star but a cultural icon in the digital era.

This year's DStv Delicious Festival will feature the 30 Years of Creative Freedom Tribute Show presented by South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The show will honour iconic South African musicians whose contributions to the arts have shaped the country’s soundscape.

On Saturday, 21 September, the festival will pay special homage to hip hop and kwaito legends with performances by Boom Shaka, Khuli Chana and Cassper Nyovest, among others. This tribute will celebrate the iconic careers of late South African artists AKA, HHP, Lebo Mathosa, Mandoza, Pro Kid, and Riky Rick.

Sunday, 22 September, will be dedicated to South Africa’s musical giants, with performances by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Loyiso Bala, and more. These artists will pay tribute to icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Johnny Clegg, creating a powerful connection between South Africa’s past and present musical heritage.