Johannesburg, South Africa – Award-winning DJ, producer and cultural trailblazer DBN Gogo is set to make history as the first female DJ in South Africa to perform a continuous 24-hour DJ set, taking place from midnight on Saturday, April 4, 2026, through to midnight on Sunday, April 5.
The landmark event marks a bold fusion of artistic endurance, cultural celebration and brand legacy — an emblematic moment for one of the country’s most influential musical forces.
“I’m beyond excited to make history with this 24-hour set, and I want everyone to be part of this journey with me,” DBN Gogo says. “Let’s dance, celebrate and create unforgettable memories together, from the first beat to the very last. This isn’t just a DJ set — it’s a marathon of music, energy and community.”
Event breakdown
- Doors open: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10pm
- DJ set begins: Saturday, April 4, at 12 midnight
- DJ set ends: Sunday, April 5, at 12 midnight
Celebrated for her ground-breaking work in Amapiano and for having multiple global streaming milestones, GBN Gogo has enjoyed a repeated history as one of South Africa’s most streamed artist, with multiple tracks surpassing the one-million-stream mark on global platforms — a rare achievement that underscores her staying power and mass appeal.
Throughout this marathon performance, she will be joined by a lineup of major DJs who will contribute their own creative energy during key segments, transforming the experience into a full-circle celebration of music and community.
More information, including venue details and ticketing, will be released closer to the event.
A milestone within a growing culture of marathon DJ sets
While this 24-hour feat is a first for a female DJ in South Africa, the broader dance music landscape has seen a continued fascination with extended sets around the world — and within the country.
Globally, marathon DJ sets have shaped music history. For example, one of the longest previously reported marathon club DJ-ing performances was by Las Vegas/US DJ Pamela Burnett, who spun for 24 hours during lockdown — a feat documented in the Guinness World Records narrative on endurance mixing.
In South Africa, marathon-style DJ engagement has deep roots:
- Legendary performances such as DJ Black Coffee’s marathon efforts helped expand the country’s musical narrative far beyond conventional club rhythms, blending endurance with community and purpose.
- Artists like Major League DJz have pushed the limits of long-form DJing with sets that challenged global records, elevating the concept of all-night musical journeys.
These iconic moments stand as milestones that inspire this current wave of musical experimentation and endurance celebration.
2026: A year of marathon-style performances in SA music
Even beyond DBN Gogo’s historic set, the South African electronic music scene is embracing a marathon mindset — not necessarily through official record attempts, but through a variety of extended-play performance formats that are redefining how fans experience music.
Here’s a look at the major upcoming marathon-style moments shaping 2026:
1. Ultra South Africa (April 25–26, 2026)
The 2026 edition of Ultra South Africa promises long stretches of back-to-back energy, particularly on The Groove Room stage — a showcase for African electronic talent. Noteworthy features include:
- Caiiro x Da Capo x Enoo Napa: A triple-back-to-back set known for deep, atmospheric soundscapes that evolve over hours rather than minutes.
- The Scorpion Kings (Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa): Masters of extended sets, these two often carry audiences from midnight into sunrise — an endurance tradition they helped popularise.
2. LIV Golf South Africa (March 19–22, 2026)
A major crossover event in Steyn City, Johannesburg, the 2026 LIV Golf SA sees icons like Black Coffee and Goldfish anchoring multi-day celebrations that favour narrative-driven sets over short bursts — signalling a shift toward journey-based DJ experiences.
Black Coffee’s careful, artistic evolution — central to his global rise — exemplifies this trend as he continues to embrace extended formats that balance tempo, tension and transformation.
3. The rise of “3-step” marathons
Industry experts predict that 2026 will see the 3-step sound — a high-tempo offshoot of house and Amapiano — take centre stage in marathon environments, with DJs like Shimza and DJ Veek utilising its rhythmic intensity to sustain momentum over 10-plus hour blocks.
The genre’s relentless propulsion makes it ideal for all-night dance experiences that emphasise groove and flow.
4. Underground “Lock-Ins”
In neighbourhoods like Maboneng and Braamfontein, underground lock-ins — secretive, word-of-mouth events — are becoming the new frontier of endurance DJ culture. Though these sets may not have Guinness overseers, they often rival international marathon lengths and cultivate deep community connection.
Why this moment matters
DBN Gogo’s 24-hour set isn’t just another milestone in a long list of endurance performances; it crystallises several cultural currents:
- Representation: She becomes the first female DJ in South Africa to undertake a continuous 24-hour set — a powerful symbol in an industry where women are still under-represented at the highest level.
- Legacy building: This is not merely a test of endurance, but a statement about where South African music — and women within it — are headed.
- Scene momentum: Her moment arrives amidst a broader movement toward marathon-style DJ engagement at festivals, club stages and underground floors.
This event doesn’t just make history — it underscores an evolution in how DJs think, perform and connect with audiences.
Also read: Introducing the reigning king of South Africa’s digital music charts – Kabza De Small.
About DBN Gogo
DBN Gogo is a South African DJ, producer and cultural leader recognised as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary African dance music. Best known for her platinum-certified hit ‘Khuza Gogo‘ , she has delivered consistent global impact with multiple chart-topping releases.
As the founder of Zikode Records (in partnership with Universal Music Group) and a Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador, she continues to push creative boundaries and redefine leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
