Mzansi, are you ready? Ja Rule and Fat Joe are set to touch down in May 2026
The Joburg Music Fest has officially confirmed Ja Rule and Fat Joe as co-headliners for May 2026.
Image: Instagram
Ja Rule and Fat Joe are officially set to headline the Joburg Music Fest in May 2026, with the exact date and venue to be announced soon.
The announcement marks another major moment for international music on South African soil.
The team at Blue Screen Entertainment told “Independent Media Lifestyle” that the company is proud to bring two global stars to Johannesburg.
“We are excited to confirm that Ja Rule and Fat Joe will headline our May 2026 Music Fest as part of Blue Screen Entertainment’s continued commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to South Africa,” they said.
They explained that the partnership was developed through months of planning.
“Our relationship with Ja Rule and Fat Joe developed over several months of discussions about expanding our annual festival into multiple major South African cities,” they said.
“After the overwhelming success of our Durban Music Fest, we wanted headliners who not only have global impact, but who also connect deeply with South African audiences.
"Both Ja Rule and Fat Joe have strong, loyal fan bases here, and their catalogues span decades of hits that cross generations. They were the perfect fit for the energy we are creating in Joburg.”
A central part of the festival’s structure will be the presence of South African talent.
“A key pillar of Blue Screen Entertainment’s vision is showcasing South Africa’s own stars on the same stage as global icons,” they said. The team added that the May festival will feature artists from across the country and across genres.
“Our goal is to elevate local talent to an international spotlight while celebrating the richness of the South African music scene.”
“We are committed to bringing major international hip hop and R&B acts to South Africa. The response from fans nationwide has been incredible, and our long-term plan is to expand this festival into one of the premier African music events,” they said.
“We want to consistently blend United States headliners with South Africa’s top performers.”
The official Johannesburg venue will be revealed in the coming weeks. Fans can expect VIP opportunities, media engagements and limited meet and greet sessions with both artists. Details will be released closer to the festival.
This announcement follows Blue Screen Entertainment’s Durban Music Fest earlier this year, which featured Rick Ross.
South Africa has welcomed a long list of international performers over the years, including artists in pop, hip hop, electronic music and R&B. The country is also preparing for more global arrivals, with Ye (Kanye West) expected next month and Gunna set for January 2026.
Fans have taken to social media to call for even more international names. Requests continue to pour in for stars such as Usher, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Beyonce, Ashanti and others, showing that demand for global music experiences in South Africa remains strong.