Kelvin Momo’s private school Amapiano takes center stage at Red Bull Symphonic 2025

by Nosipho Mnyandu

All eyes were on Kelvin Momo, born Thato Kelvin Ledwaba, as he took center stage to headline Red Bull Symphonic 2025, a groundbreaking three-night musical event that kicked off on Friday, 6 June 2025, at the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg.

Momo, renowned for his signature genre Private School Amapiano, delivered a mesmerizing performance alongside the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra, under the direction of esteemed composer and conductor Adam Howard. This innovative showcase fused the pulsating rhythms of Amapiano with the rich textures of orchestral music, creating a unique sonic experience that captivated audiences.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s headliner, Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo became the second artist to lead this prestigious platform that blends contemporary South African soundscapes with classical orchestration.

Kelvin Momo on stage at the Red Bull Symphonic 2025

image: Redbull ZA

In an exclusive interview with Channel O, Momo expressed his excitement about the opportunity: “Being chosen to headline this year’s Red Bull Symphonic is an amazing honour. I’ve always aimed to push creative limits as a producer, and watching my sound evolve with a live orchestra is truly a historic moment for me.”

The event also featured standout performances by collaborators including Babalwa M, Nia Pearl, Thatohatsi, and Tracy. The artists performed “Bo Gogo” from Momo’s critically acclaimed Ntsako album, adding further depth and emotion to the musical journey. The final night ended on a high note, with Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M sharing a kiss on stage, delighting fans and putting to rest breakup rumours.

Kelvin Momo and Adam Howard share a moment on stage at the Red Bull Symphonic 2025

image: Redbull ZA

Kelvin Momo is celebrated for his ambient, layered production style and his forward-thinking approach to Amapiano. His latest project, Thato Ya Modimo, made history by debuting with 6.685 million streams on Spotify South Africa, setting a new record for the highest first-week debut in the country.

Red Bull Symphonic 2025 successfully showcased the innovative blending of South African music genres with classical elements, cementing Kelvin Momo’s place as a visionary artist pushing creative boundaries.