Now Now Festival puts May on the map with The Human League
UK's Blancmange, Prime Circle, Arno Carstens and Absinthè join an unforgettable day of classic hits!
The inaugural Now Now Festival is turning up the volume with the announcement of its proudly South African line-up, as Prime Circle, Arno Carstens, and Absinthè are confirmed to perform alongside international headliners The Human League and special guests Blancmange on Saturday, 9 May 2026 at Marks Park, Johannesburg.
This exciting addition cements Now Now Festival as a must-attend celebration of timeless music, blending global icons with some of South Africa’s most beloved and influential artists.
Prime Circle
Leading the local charge are rock heavyweights Prime Circle, who have just celebrated an incredible 25 years in the industry. With a career spanning chart-topping hits like “She Always Gets What She Wants,” “Hello,” and “Live This Life,” the band has become one of South Africa’s most successful rock exports, known for their powerful live performances and enduring fanbase.
Arno Carstens
Joining them is Arno Carstens, one of South Africa’s most respected singer-songwriters and frontman of the legendary Springbok Nude Girls. With a career that has traversed decades, Carstens has released multiple acclaimed solo albums and remains a defining voice in South African alternative rock, celebrated for his poetic song writing and magnetic stage presence.
Absinthè
Completing the local line-up is Absinthè, a supergroup featuring Cito (Wonderboom) and Paul E. Flynn (Sugardrive). Bringing together two of the most distinctive voices in South African rock history, Absinthè promises a nostalgic set that pays homage to the golden era of alternative music while delivering something fresh and dynamic.
International Headliners: A Synth-PopSpectacle
BreakOut Events is excited to have legendary British synth-pop pioneers The Human League headlining the Now Now Festival, and they will be joined by special guests Blancmange.
Few bands have shaped modern pop music like The Human League. Formed in Sheffield in the late 1970s, the group became one of the most influential acts of the synth-pop movement, blending futuristic electronic sounds with sharp pop song writing and a striking visual identity.
Their 1981 album Dare became a global phenomenon, spawning timeless hits including “Don’t You Want Me,” “Love Action (I Believe in Love)” and “Open Your Heart.” “Don’t You Want Me” reached No.1 in both the UK and the US. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Over the decades, The Human League have continued to evolve while maintaining their unmistakable sound, delivering further classics like “Human,” “Fascination,” “Mirror Man,” and “Tell Me When.” With multiple Brit Awards, millions of albums sold worldwide, and a catalogue that continues to influence generations, they remain one of the most celebrated acts in pop history.
Blancmange
Joining them are fellow UK electronic icons Blancmange. Blancmange emerged from the post-punk era of 1979, becoming one of the defining acts of British electronic pop. Known for hits such as “Feel Me,” “Living on the Ceiling,” “Blind Vision” and “Don’t Tell Me.” Blancmange have continued to evolve since their return in 2011. They have released a string of acclaimed projects including Private View in 2022.
A New Era for Live Music
With its debut edition, Now Now Festival signals the start of a bold new live music experience. Bringing together the sounds, style, and spirit of classic hits across generations. From synth-pop nostalgia to South African music royalty, fans can expect a high-energy, hit-filled celebration in one unforgettable setting.
Following the Johannesburg event, The Human League and Blancmange will also perform in Cape Town. This will take place on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest.
Tickets are on sale now via BreakOut Events here or through Webtickets.
With a line-up that bridges international legends and local icons, tickets are expected to move fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the very first Now Now Festival.
Now Now Festival – Johannesburg
In Association with BreakOut Events & HOT 102.7FM
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
Time: 12:30 – 20:30
Venue: Marks Park
Address: Orange Road, Emmarentia, Randburg, Johannesburg
GPS: -26.166377 | 28.004451
Line-up: The Human League (UK), Blancmange (UK), Prime Circe, Arno Carstens, Absinthè
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission from R795 excl R40 fee
- VIP from R1695 excl R40 fee
