LOOK: Durban welcomes Grammy award-winning star Gregory Porter with true local flair
Gregory Porter arriving at Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, as he was welcomed by Zulu Dancers.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspaper
Durban brought the vibes to welcome two-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Gregory Porter to its shores at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga on Thursday.
As the American jazz, soul, and gospel singer-songwriter prepares to perform at the Durban ICC on Saturday, the atmosphere was electric as he touched down.
The 54-year-old was in high spirits as he was greeted by a lively group of Zulu dancers, a vibrant showcase of Durban’s rich culture. As the performers sang and danced in celebration of Porter’s visit, the five-star welcome turned the streets outside the hotel into a joyful spectacle of rhythm and song.
Gregory Porter enjoying the performance of the Zulu dancers who welcomed him to Durban.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspaper
The world-renowned musician - celebrated for his warm baritone voice and heartfelt delivery - is in South Africa as part of his “Love is King SA 2025 Tour.” Porter’s arrival in Durban follows a powerful concert in Cape Town on Wednesday. He will next head to Johannesburg, where he will perform at The Teatro at Montecasino from November 20 to 22.
The “Liquid Spirit” hitmaker is now set to experience the energy Durban is famous for. Between rehearsals and performances, he is expected to take in some of the city’s finest offerings - from its golden beaches and world-class cuisine to its vibrant local culture.
Before his show, Porter will visit the Valley of a 1000 Hills, where he’ll experience South Africa’s heritage, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cuisine. The area, situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, blends natural beauty, rich Zulu traditions, and outdoor adventure across the majestic valley shaped by the Umgeni River and its tributaries.
For KwaZulu-Natal, Porter’s concert represents more than a musical event - it’s a celebration of summer, culture and connection, reinforcing the province’s growing reputation as one of South Africa’s leading lifestyle and entertainment destinations.
The Zulu dancers who welcomed US jazz superstar, Gregory Porter.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspaper
The event also forms part of KZN Tourism & Film’s Summer Campaign, which encourages South Africans to explore the province and its many delights. Visitors are urged to turn the concert into a long-weekend getaway - combining world-class jazz with warm beaches, scenic drives, and the province’s legendary hospitality.
“Having Gregory Porter in KZN is more than a concert - it’s an opportunity to showcase KZN as a dynamic events destination where leisure, culture, and commerce meet,” said Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of the organisation.
Tony Feldman of Showtime Management, which presents Porter’s three-city tour alongside GRIZA Enterprises, added: “Few artists connect with South African audiences the way Gregory Porter does. Now, for the first time, fans in Durban and across KwaZulu-Natal can experience his rich, warm baritone voice live.”