If you’ve been anywhere near the South Coast this past June, one thing is clear: the OffRamp Experience and Ugu Jazz Festival are officially back—and bigger than ever.
When Cool Sounds said they were “claiming June for the South Coast,” they weren’t just talking. They meant it—and delivered far beyond expectations. From peaceful fishing competitions and a thrilling football tournament on 22 June, to hikes through the majestic Xolo Caves, this was more than a festival—it was a movement. A celebration of place, people, and purpose.
But nothing captured that spirit quite like the final two nights: The OffRamp Worship Experience and the triumphant relaunch of the Ugu Jazz Festival.
Worship Like Never Before - 27 June
On Friday, 27 June 2025, the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe was transformed into a house of praise for the OffRamp Worship Experience. Kicking off the program was Mrs Msimanga, who welcomed an all-star gospel lineup that included Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Xolly Mncwango, Sgwili, Jumbo, Sthabile Manyambose, Shongwe and Khuphuka, and Melusi Mbokazi.
Then came a surprise—Hlengiwe Mhlaba stepped onto the stage earlier than expected, and what followed was nothing short of powerful. For over an hour, she led the crowd through a deeply spiritual journey with her beloved catalogue of gospel anthems. When asked what worship meant to her, she answered boldly: "Worship is me. I am worship."
Her warmth, humour, and presence filled the venue with a motherly grace that resonated through every note.
From there, the atmosphere only intensified. Shongwe and Khuphuka took us back in time with their timeless hits. Xolly Mncwango brought the house down with her moving performance of Ungukuphila, sharing: "Worship is your meeting place with God."
Jazz Takes Back the Stage—and Our Hearts – 28 June
If the Worship Experience was soul food, the Ugu Jazz Festival Relaunch on 28 June was the afterparty—and everyone showed up hungry. Held once again at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre, the event was a thrilling comeback for one of KZN’s most beloved music traditions.
From the moment gates opened, there was a buzz in the air. The lineup was too vast to name in full, featuring a fusion of jazz bands, vocalists, and DJs, each adding their own flavour to the melting pot.
A standout performance came from DJ Bruce, who broke new ground with a live set that combined DJing with a full jazz band—blending digital beats and live instrumentation into a sound that was completely new yet comfortably familiar.
Holding it all together was Gagasi FM’s Felix Hlophe, who brought his signature humour and charisma to the stage as one of the evening’s hosts. He kept the crowd laughing, dancing, and shouting for more between sets.
At 9 PM, the elegant and soulful Zonke took the stage to thunderous applause. Every note she sang pulled the audience deeper into the groove. Then at 10:30 PM, Ami Faku followed with a stunning performance, rich with emotion and raw vocal power. Together, they set a bar few could match.
But the night was far from over.
Students from Esayidi TVET College’s “IQonga” program then took to the stage—not just to watch, but to perform. For many, this was their first time on a stage of this magnitude, and they rose to the moment with courage and talent, winning over the audience and making their community proud.
Then, in a surprise twist, Shwi hit the stage unexpectedly, sparking a fresh wave of excitement. Mondli Ngcobo followed with a high-energy set that had everyone dancing and singing along. Finally, Tender Mavundla, a beloved local voice, closed out the feature acts with a powerful, emotional set that reminded everyone of the roots and soul of the South Coast.
And just like the night before, it was Jumbo who brought the house down one last time—closing both nights with the same fire and energy he’s become known for.
More Than Music—A Message to the Region
The festival also drew support from key leaders, including Mayor Sikhumbuzo Isaac Mqadi of Ugu District Municipality and KwaZulu Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula. Both officials applauded the initiative and pledged their support, noting its cultural and economic value to the region.
This was more than just a weekend of music—it was a statement:
Save the Date
If you missed it this year, don’t make the same mistake twice. Mark June 2026 in bold, because thanks to the OffRamp Experience and the Ugu Jazz Festival, June now belongs to the South Coast. And if 2025 is anything to go by, next year is going to be even bigger, brighter, and louder.
