Johannesburg’s much loved music experience returns to Mea Culpa with an international line-up and a distinctly local soul
TrevTober Turns 5: Five Years of Music, Movement and Memories • TrevTober is more than a music festival; it’s a cultural movement. Five years on, TrevTober has firmly established itself as more than a fixture on Johannesburg’s entertainment calendar. What began as a celebration of music has evolved into a distinctive experience shaped by sound, culture, connection and the anticipation of discovering what happens when the right people come together in the right space.
On 24 October 2026, that journey reaches a milestone as the festival takes over Mea Culpa in Sandton. Marking five years of creating memorable music experiences, this year’s edition brings together an international line-up, leading South African selectors and live performances, setting the stage for a celebration that promises to be among the city’s most anticipated music and lifestyle experiences of 2026. For its fifth edition, TrevTober will transform Mea Culpa into a three-part musical journey. Guests can expect to move from the greenery and relaxed energy of the garden, to the rooftop and, eventually, the unmistakable pulse of the main stage.
Each space will offer its own mood and energy, creating an experience that unfolds throughout the day and into the night. Leading the international line-up are Omar (UK), Frances Jaye (USA) and Marcelo Tavares (Brazil), three internationally celebrated artists whose sounds have travelled across borders and dance floors. Their presence adds an exciting global dimension to a festival that remains deeply connected to Johannesburg’s music and creative culture. They will be joined by Thabo Smol, who will take to the stage with a live band to perform music from his recent album, Dithupa Tsa Smol. Kitchen Mess will also bring their live sound to the festival, adding another dynamic performance to an already eclectic programme.
The fifth edition continues that tradition with a carefully curated line-up of selectors and musicians from across South Africa, including Trev The Japanese, T-Bose, Nicky B, Vinny Da Vinci, Bubbles, Thabo Phalatse, Brian Blaq, Thami 537, MR. 55, Simmy, Juss Banks, Chainz, S-Girl, Kabelo Phalatse, Daddy Twist, Owza, David Soulmarti, Smoothie-T, Syrin, Subman, Mister X, Les da Groove, Magic Prince, Kalawa, Mr. Spike, Marco D’Mel, Gordz, Danny The Jazz, TeddyPeace, KZBL, Tibza (SZW), Floyd Mash and St. Jones, among others.
For founder, Trev the Japanese, reaching the five-year milestone is a celebration not only of TrevTober’s growth, but also of the community of people who have helped shape the experience along the way. “Five years feels special because we’ve built this together with the people who have continued to show up, support us and make TrevTober what it is,” he says. “The music is at the heart of everything, but it’s also about the feeling, the conversations, the unexpected moments, the people you meet and the memories you leave with.
With our TrevTober Turns 5 message, we want to celebrate that journey while giving people something new to experience.” That spirit will come to life through a fifth edition designed as an immersive experience, where the music and atmosphere unfold throughout the day. From the laid-back energy of the garden and the elevated rooftop setting to the anticipation of the main stage, guests can expect a seamless journey through different sounds, spaces and moments that capture the essence of TrevTober.
While the international line-up adds a global dimension to the celebration, TrevTober remains firmly rooted in Johannesburg, always prioritising its people, its sounds and its vibrant creative culture. Powered by SAMPRA, the festival reflects the ability to bring diverse influences together to create experiences that feel distinctly local yet resonate far beyond its borders. Tickets are available at www.trevtober.com, with packages also available, including exclusive TrevTober merchandise.
