Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and television personality Tamar Braxton is set to headline the opening night of Ndlala Grandeur Season 1 in South Africa.
The four-night R&B showcase will run from December 16 to 19, 2026, at Ndlala Arena, bringing together international and South African entertainment talent for a celebration of R&B music and culture.
Braxton will lead the opening-night programme. Before launching her solo career, she performed alongside her sisters as part of the musical group The Braxtons. She later established herself as a solo artist, with her second studio album, Love and War, released by Epic Records in 2013.
The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and earned three Grammy nominations. Braxton has received four Grammy nominations throughout her career.
Ndlala Arena CEO Thami Ndlala described the upcoming event as a major celebration of artistry and culture, promising audiences memorable entertainment across the four-night showcase.
The announcement follows news that actor Ricco Ross, known internationally for playing Horace Bellarie in Tyler Perry’s Netflix series Beauty in Black, will serve as red carpet and show co-host on December 16 and 17. The appearance will mark his first visit to South Africa.
Ndlala Grandeur Season 1 builds on the venue’s growing reputation for hosting major entertainment events. Its biggest event of 2026 so far was Ndlala Grandeur II, which expanded the previous year’s two-night programme into a three-day R&B celebration.
The August event featured international performers including Mýa, RL, Ginuwine, Case and Tyrese, alongside South African artists Zonke, Vusi Nova and Brian Themba. Several international performers were also recognised with stars on the Ndlala Walk of Fame.
The inaugural Ndlala Grandeur took place in 2025 and featured R&B stars Joe and Donell Jones, with Somizi serving as host.
