Pretoria music lovers, this one is worth putting the petrol money aside for. Icelandic blues rockers KALEO are making their South African debut on Saturday, 6 February 2027 at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, and the line-up around them makes the trip down the highway an easy decision. The band behind the global hit “Way Down We Go” will share the stage with KONGOS and Ross Learmonth, with more acts still to be announced.
Why KALEO at Marks Park Is Worth the Drive from Pretoria
It is a first for South Africa
This is KALEO’s first-ever South African show. Debut performances only happen once, and the people who are there will be the ones telling the story for years. The tour also includes a Cape Town date at Kirstenbosch, but for Gauteng fans, Marks Park is the place to see them, and it is the closest option for anyone in Pretoria.
The line-up is stacked
You are not driving for one act alone. KONGOS are four South African-born brothers, Johnny, Jesse, Dylan and Danny Kongos, whose multi-platinum hit “Come with Me Now” has been heard around the world. Ross Learmonth, the former Prime Circle frontman, brings a familiar South African rock voice to the bill. Add a headliner with a global catalogue and you have a full evening of guitar-driven music for the price of one ticket and one trip.
It is built for festival-goers
If the open-air festival atmosphere is your favourite part of live music, this show delivers it. A multi-act bill, an outdoor sports club setting and a crowd that knows every word make for a night that feels bigger than a standard gig. Bring your best festival friends and make a proper evening of it.
Event Details
- Event: KALEO Live at Marks Park
- Headliner: KALEO
- Date: Saturday, 6 February 2027
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
- Supporting acts: KONGOS, Ross Learmonth and additional acts to be announced
- Tour context: KALEO’s debut South African show, with a Cape Town date at Kirstenbosch
- Tickets: Available via Webtickets
Who Is KALEO?
KALEO is an Icelandic band whose sound blends indie folk, blues rock and alternative rock. They are known for gritty blues riffs, falsetto flourishes, heavy use of the resonator guitar and the raspy, soulful vocals of frontman JJ Júlíusson. The name “Kaleo” means “the voice” in Hawaiian.
The band formed in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, when childhood friends Jökull Júlíusson (lead vocals and guitar), Davíð Antonsson (drums) and Daníel Ægir Kristjánsson (bass) joined forces. Lead guitarist Rubin Pollock came on board later.
The songs you will know
“Way Down We Go” is the track that took KALEO global. It has been certified multi-platinum in the United States, Canada and Australia, and has featured in numerous TV shows, games and film trailers. Other favourites include “All the Pretty Girls”, the Grammy-nominated “No Good” and “I Can’t Go On Without You”. Their albums so far are KALEO (2013), A/B (2016), Surface Sounds (2021) and Mixed Emotions.
Planning the Drive from Pretoria
Marks Park Sports Club is on Judith Road in Emmarentia, a leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg close to the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam. Depending on where you live in Pretoria, expect roughly an hour on the road, and allow extra time for Saturday evening traffic and event crowds.
A few tips to make the night easy:
- Leave early so you arrive before the supporting acts begin.
- Share the ride with friends and agree on a designated driver.
- Agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.
- Check the ticket page for the latest entry information before you set off.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are sold through Webtickets. Secure your place early, because a debut headliner is rarely available for long.
Follow the Organiser for Updates
The organiser, A Breakout Event, shares line-up announcements and event news on social media. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X to hear about new acts and updates first.
KALEO at Marks Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Is KALEO playing in Pretoria?
No. KALEO’s Gauteng show is at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 6 February 2027 at 19:00.
How far is Marks Park from Pretoria?
Marks Park is roughly an hour’s drive from Pretoria, depending on where you set off from and the traffic on the day.
Who is supporting KALEO at Marks Park?
KONGOS and Ross Learmonth are confirmed as supporting acts, with additional acts still to be announced.
Is this KALEO’s first show in South Africa?
Yes. This is KALEO’s debut South African show, and the tour also includes a Cape Town date at Kirstenbosch.
What music does KALEO play?
KALEO plays a mix of indie folk, blues rock and alternative rock, with gritty blues riffs, resonator guitar and the raspy, soulful vocals of frontman JJ Júlíusson. Their biggest hit is “Way Down We Go”.
Where can I buy tickets for KALEO?
Tickets are available through Webtickets, linked in the ticket section above.
Make the Trip
A South African debut, two rock favourites in support and an open-air Emmarentia setting add up to a night worth the drive. Book your tickets, rally your crew and get ready to sing along to “Way Down We Go” under the Highveld sky.