The highly anticipated “Once Upon a Time in Joburg” concert just received a major boost of international soul. Event producers Doctor Bird have announced that the acclaimed UK songstress Jaz Karis will be the official opening act for Canadian R&B duo DVSN this December, setting the stage for a night of transcendent vocal prowess and atmospheric soundscapes.
The concert, set for December 7th at the vibrant Fourways Farmer’s Market, promises to be one of the summer’s definitive R&B experiences. With the event scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m., the addition of Karis has transformed the lineup from a must-see headliner into a fully-fledged musical journey, a fact not lost on dedicated fans who have already snapped up tickets at a rapid pace via the Quicket platform.
For followers of contemporary soul, this pairing is a curator’s dream. DVSN, the enigmatic duo signed to Drake’s OVO Sound, are known for their immersive, mood-setting R&B anthems. Their performance, aptly named for a “once upon a time” fairytale, is expected to be a captivating affair. But the magic will begin the moment Jaz Karis takes the stage. The British artist has been building a formidable reputation as one of the genre’s most exciting and authentic voices, blending soul, R&B, and subtle Afro-fusions with heartfelt lyricism.
The announcement sent immediate ripples across social media, particularly on X, where fans expressed their delight at the transatlantic collaboration. Many highlighted Karis’s viral hit ‘Petty Lover,’ a track that has amassed a staggering over 240 million global streams and become an anthem for navigating the complexities of modern love and relationships. Its success is a testament to her ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
“This is the perfect warm-up,” commented one excited fan on X. “DVSN brings the dark, late-night vibes, and Jaz Karis brings that raw, emotional soul. It’s the perfect one-two punch.”
The concert represents a significant moment for the South African live music scene, demonstrating its ability to attract top-tier international R&B acts and create unique, world-class lineups. By placing Jaz Karis—a artist on the sharp rise—before the established powerhouse of DVSN, Doctor Bird is not just selling a concert; they are offering a complete narrative arc for R&B lovers, from the fresh, compelling storytelling of a new generation to the sultry, established mastery of one of the genre’s most revered acts.
For those with tickets, the night of December 7th is now poised to be more than a show; it’s a passage through the very heart of modern soul music, beginning with the powerful voice of Jaz Karis and culminating in the haunting harmonies of DVSN.
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