Bryson Tiller, Masego and DJ Mustard set to headline The Ascots at the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year.
Image: Instagram.
One of the most anticipated events on the social calendar, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, is already shaping up to be a big one and the entertainment lineup is starting on a high note.
The annual Hollywoodbets Durban July has long been about more than just the races. It’s fashion, it’s music, it’s a full-day experience.
For the first time in Durban July history, international heavy weights Bryson Tiller, Masego and Grammy Award-winning DJ Mustard are set to share a single stage in South Africa as part of a new premium experience called The Ascots, taking place at the Greyville Racecourse on July 4.
According to the organisers, this is a shift from just attending the races to being part of something that blends music, lifestyle and entertainment into one.
Tiller, known for hits like “Don’t” and “Exchange”, has built a strong following locally and has performed in South Africa back in 2017.
Masego, is a multi-instrumentalist who incorporates jazz, R&B and trap into his sound.
He previously brought his signature trap house jazz style to the country in 2018, 2019 and to the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
However, Mustard’s inclusion raised eyebrows among fans.
The Grammy-winning producer had initially distanced himself from early announcement, calling it fake.
According to “The Citizen”, the organisation cited a breakdown in communication and said there would be a statement issued to clear it all up.
The event is being positioned as a more exclusive, boutique-style festival within the Durban July. With limited capacity, curated food experiences and a focus on premium hospitality.
Local talent will also be part of the lineup, with names like Shekhinah, Elaine and Tresor set to perform alongside the international acts.
The event is curated by Aline Media Group, founded by music executive Sibo Mhlungu, who says the intention goes beyond just putting on a show.
“The focus is on the full experience, from arrival to the final act. As someone born and bred in Durban, this is more than just an event to me, it’s a way to uplift and contribute to my hometown. For years, Durban has been treated as a secondary market for large-scale shows and has rarely been considered a destination for international artists or events of this scale,” he said.
That thinking sits at the centre of The Ascots.
It’s not just about booking big names, but about shifting how Durban is viewed when it comes to major events and live music, placing it alongside cities that regularly host international acts.
As described by the organisers, the experience leans into that premium feel, with curated food offerings, upgraded production and a layout designed to make the day feel more immersive than the usual festival setup.
It’s positioned as something that complements the racing and fashion spectacle the Durban July is known for, rather than competing with it.
Alongside the lineup, organisers have also shared a breakdown of The Ascots ticket packages and what each option comes with: