Road to Bassline Fest and SAMPRA Present “History of House”: A Mandela Day Celebration of Music, Unity, and Legacy

On 18 July 2025, music lovers in Johannesburg are in for an unforgettable experience as Road to Bassline Fest and SAMPRA proudly present “History of House,” a once-in-a-lifetime live show at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. The event will mark Mandela Day with an electrifying mix of Afro house, Amapiano, gospel, and timeless South African house classics, featuring an extraordinary lineup.

Leading the performance is Grammy-nominated producer MÖRDA, making a highly anticipated return to the stage. Joining him is the globally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir, fresh from their international tours, and rising star Brandon Aura, bringing his soulful, folk-inspired sound to open the night.

This show promises a bold fusion of genres and generations, blending MÖRDA’s innovative Afro house beats with the Soweto Gospel Choir’s soul-stirring harmonies. Audiences can expect powerful reimagined versions of classic tracks like “Silence” and “Ride Like the Wind,” performed in South African languages and drawn from the choir’s History of House album, originally produced by Groove Terminator and Latroit.

For MÖRDA, formerly one-half of Black Motion, this show is a celebration of his continued evolution as a live performer and producer. Fans can look forward to live renditions of tracks from his Asante trilogy, including his new single “Glory,” featuring Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize. Speaking about the upcoming show, MÖRDA said, “I want this music to bring peace and joy. I want people to dance, to feel free.”

Adding to the night’s excitement is Brandon Aura, a fresh voice in South Africa’s music scene. Known for his emotional storytelling and culturally rooted sound, Aura recently wowed audiences at Fête de la Musique, making him the perfect act to set the tone for this special evening. Brad Holmes, founder of Bassline Live, praised Aura’s selection, saying, “His storytelling and powerful presence make him the perfect act to open this special event.”

The event is made possible through a strategic partnership between SAMPRA and Bassline, both committed to elevating South African music and protecting the rights of local artists. SAMPRA highlighted the significance of the event, noting, “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our objective to sustain and protect our members’ artistry by collaborating with event promoters and industry key players.”

Media giant BET joins as the official media partner, continuing its ongoing collaboration with Bassline to spotlight South African talent on a global stage. Together, they aim to amplify the country’s vibrant music industry and inspire the next generation of creatives.

In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the History of House concert will serve as a heartfelt tribute to Mandela Day, aligning with the Foundation’s ‘It’s in Your Hands’ campaign. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets for donation and to contribute to the Foundation’s initiatives when purchasing their tickets. A spokesperson from the Foundation emphasized, “The call to action is as broad and inclusive as possible – identify those in need around you and do what you can to make a difference with them and for them.”

This unique night of music, community, and social upliftment invites fans from all walks of life to come together and celebrate South Africa’s rich musical heritage while giving back to those in need.

Event Details:
Event: Road to Bassline Fest & SAMPRA present “History of House”
Date: Mandela Day – 18 July 2025
Venue: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

Tickets are now available via Webtickets.