fabric London is gearing up for a powerful return to South Africa in January 2026, following a phenomenal debut earlier this year that sold out crowds and cemented its growing influence in the country’s electronic music scene.
With expanded line-ups, bigger production and bold venue choices, the iconic UK institution is deepening its connection with local club culture — from a three-floor takeover in Johannesburg’s AND Club and Carfax precinct, to a historic first-ever large-scale electronic event inside Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope, complete with immersive projection-mapped visuals.
In this exclusive interview and with Africa Jamz FM News, Richard Marshall, Director of Sub Sahara and fabric’s partner on the continent, speaks to us about the vision behind the 2026 shows, the cultural impact of this collaboration, and how South Africa is shaping fabric’s global future.
1. How do fabric’s 2026 South African shows aim to elevate the experience beyond last year’s sold-out debut?
We are moving into the one-day-festival space in both cities, against 2025 being only club nights. We are bringing four top-tier international artists this year as opposed to two, and we have booked some very punchy local superstars like Vinny da Vinci and Leighton Moody,” said Richard.
2. What makes the ‘Castle of Good Hope’ a groundbreaking choice for an electronic music takeover, and how might projection-mapping transform this historic space?
The venue choice is not as groundbreaking as the production we will be implementing there. This stunning venue has been used for events for the last thirty years, what it has never been is mapped to the degree we are mapping it and having three large dance floors to choose from. We hope people get lost (in a good way) in the labyrinth of the experience and have their minds blown by the sheer magnitude of the production!,” said Richard.
3. With HE.SHE.THEY. curating Room 2, how will themes of inclusivity and safer-space culture be reflected on the dancefloor?
We have some of the city’s finest LQBTQ families sending in dancers, MC’s and drag queens to make sure all guests understand that we are fully aligned with LGBTQ culutre and sentiment. HE.SHE.THEY. are there to signal that the whole world is behind us in supporting trans and queer rights,” said Richard.
4. What does partnering with TOYTOY suggest about the evolution of Johannesburg’s techno landscape?
ToyToy have done more than most techno outfits in SA to fly the unwavering flag of techno as a culturally relevant genre. They have done every nearly Friday night for the last 14 years, making them an international icon of the genre and the clubbing institution,” said Richard.
5. How do these shows contribute to fabric’s mission of connecting global club culture with South Africa’s electronic music community in its 25-year legacy?
By not only bringing international superstars to the local DJ booths, but by providing international coverage for our local stars as the whole world will see a fabric flyer. Those who stand out will be certain to take the stage in the London venue in the future too,” said Richard.
Event details
JOHANNESBURG: Friday 9 January 2026 @ AND Club with TOYTOY
London clubbing institution, fabric returns to Johannesburg for a three-room takeover of AND Club and Carfax complex. Marcel Dettmann, Gerd Janson, Gabrielle Kwarteng, and South African house trailblazer Vinny Da Vinci headline, supported by over a dozen local DJs.
Tickets: Resident Advisor / Howler
CAPE TOWN: Saturday 10 January 2026 @ The Castle of Good Hope with He.She.They
fabric stages an unrivaled takeover of Cape Town’s 17th-century Castle of Good Hope—the first electronic music event at South Africa’s oldest building.
Marcel Dettmann, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco, and Gabrielle Kwarteng headline three rooms featuring immersive projection-mapping visuals across the castle walls.
HE.SHE.THEY. hosts Room 2, with local artists to be announced.
Tickets: Resident Advisor / Howler
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