The Star-Studded ‘Saso’s Brunch Marquee’ Returns to Take Centre Stage at Durban July

After setting the standard for elegance and entertainment in 2024, the most luxurious and talked-about marquee experience at the Hollywoodbets Durban July is back. Saso’s Brunch Marquee — the hottest marquee that hosted South Africa’s most glamorous celebrities, elite influencers, and chart-topping artists — returns for its second year, promising an even more opulent and unforgettable affair on Saturday, 5 July 2025.

Curated by hip-hop star and cultural tastemaker Lusaso ‘Saso’ Ngcobo, the marquee made headlines last year for its historic debut and unmatched atmosphere. In 2025, Saso raises the bar once again — transforming his vision into a premium, immersive celebration of Black excellence, luxury lifestyle, and cutting-edge entertainment.

Set against the high-energy and picture-square backdrop of Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event, the reimagined Saso’s Brunch Marquee now boasts a more expansive and glamorous location, just steps away from the iconic Winning Post. The move accommodates an exclusive guest list of 800 high-profile attendees, nearly doubling last year’s capacity, while preserving the intimate, members-only ambiance that made it a standout.

From luxury décor to premium concierge service and exquisite design, every detail has been elevated to deliver a sophisticated, high-end experience for the discerning guests.

This year’s theme, “Cradle of Humankind,” draws inspiration from Africa’s rich ancestral legacy, beautifully woven into a modern luxury narrative. Guests can expect artfully designed interiors, Afro-futuristic fashion moments, gourmet culinary experiences, signature cocktail bars, and world-class entertainment that reflect the continent’s creative brilliance and cultural depth.

While the artist lineup remains tightly under wraps, the event coordinators can confirm that this year’s musical showcase will eclipse even 2024’s iconic stage — which featured Oscar Mbo, Major League DJz, Sjava, Blxckie, DBN Gogo and more.

Saso shares: “This isn’t just a marquee. It’s a movement. We’ve curated an atmosphere where music, luxury, and heritage collide to create something exceptional — something that lives on in people’s memories.”

Known for attracting the who’s who of South African culture — from platinum-selling artists and award-winning creatives to tastemakers, executives, and fashion royalty — Saso’s Brunch Marquee is more than an event. It’s a lifestyle experience.

This year, guests can expect a red carpet welcome, five-star cuisine, plush lounges, premium drinks, luxury brand activations, and non-stop entertainment — all set within an exquisitely curated space that screams sophistication.

While the inaugural Saso’s Brunch Marquee was celebrated as a breakout success, the core team has taken full accountability for operational shortcomings that affected the overall guest experience.

Saso shares candidly:

It’s important to acknowledge that while we delivered an incredible event last year, we also learned a lot. There were areas we fell short — especially when it came to staffing, service delays, and operations. We’re not above accountability. We’ve taken every bit of feedback seriously, and this year, we’re coming back better prepared, more intentional, and deeply committed to excellence.

In response, the team has invested in expanding its workforce — prioritizing the hiring of young, qualified and experienced individuals from Durban. By doing so, the marquee is not only creating valuable employment opportunities but also contributing to skills development and economic upliftment within the Durban Metro area.

“This isn’t just about fixing mistakes,” adds Saso. “It’s about using our platform to empower others. If we’re going to talk about Black excellence, it has to start with opening doors for the next generation.

Tickets are exclusively available via Ticketpro— early booking is highly recommended as the event is expected to sell out quickly.

About Saso:

Born Lusaso Ngcobo (34), also known as Saso, is one-half of the chart-topping hip-hop duo DreamTeam, the powerhouse behind iconic South African hits like ‘Tsekede’, ‘What’s Your Name’, ‘Shandis’, and many more. With a career spanning over a decade, Saso has earned his place as a trailblazer in South African urban culture, blending music, fashion, and lifestyle into a singular, magnetic brand.