Gregory Porter ignites a tourism resurgence in Durban with electrifying performance

This past weekend, the sultry sounds of Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Gregory Porter echoed through the Durban International Convention Centre, leaving an indelible mark on both music lovers and the region's tourism sector. The American vocalist, known for his soulful voice and charismatic stage presence, brought energy and excitement, invigorating KwaZulu-Natal’s hospitality and tourism industries at a crucial time of domestic travel resurgence.

“Visit Durban. Visit Durban. What are you doing hey? You are wasting all your time because it’s here in Durban,” Porter declared passionately, following a warm welcome at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel, infused with vibrant song and dance.

Staying at the luxurious five-star establishment, Porter spoke highly of his experiences, calling a dinner he enjoyed there “extraordinary.”

His performance, brimming with charisma, saw him not just singing but also physically engaging with the local culture—gyrating to the rhythm and executing a high kick reminiscent of traditional Zulu dances.

This spontaneous display resonated deeply with the local audience, merging his musical artistry with the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu Kingdom.

Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of KZN Tourism and Film, remarked on the resonance of such events, indicating that, “Having Gregory Porter in KZN is more than a concert – it’s an opportunity to showcase the province as a dynamic events destination where leisure, culture and commerce meet.”

This sentiment is already reflected in the increased tourism activity; hotel bookings surged and township tours flourished, infusing life into Durban as concert-goers turned the event into a full weekend getaway.

ICC CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe highlighted, “When we host global icons like Gregory Porter, we don’t just fill seats – we fill hotels, restaurants and the city with energy.”

Indeed, fans flocked from places such as Bloemfontein and Northern Natal and across borders, including eSwatini and Lesotho, marking a significant moment for Durban as a contender in the international events landscape.

Porter’s engagement with KwaZulu-Natal extended beyond music.

The internationally acclaimed artist immersed himself in local culture and cuisine, indulging in a bespoke five-star lunch at the award-winning LivingRoom restaurant, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Chef Johannes Richter curated a special menu, highlighting the province’s culinary brilliance for a global audience.

Further enriching his visit, Porter explored the Valley of a Thousand Hills and visited Phezulu Safari Park, where he expressed his appreciation for the profound cultural performances he encountered. “It’s not lost on me that we are in the cradle of creation.

This is where it all started and where we all started, where the music started,” he reflected, conveying a sense of connection to the rhythm and atmosphere of the region. “I hope to come back again and again.”

In a bid to enhance the impact of such high-profile events, the Durban concert formed part of KwaZulu-Natal’s summer tourism campaign, which encourages locals to transform major events into enticing weekend escapes.

The outcome speaks for itself—KwaZulu-Natal recorded 2.4 million overnight trips in the second quarter of 2025, a staggering 134% increase, with visiting friends and relatives contributing significantly to the R11.6 billion national spend for the quarter.

The regional tourism boom was echoed by Mayor Cyril Xaba, who noted this surge as not merely a recovery but a revitalised confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s brand and offerings.

International tourist arrivals also show promise, with a 15.6% year-on-year rise in foreign visitors in Q2 2025, predominantly from neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and eSwatini. While international travel from long-haul markets like the UK and the USA remains slow, there are promising developments in regional tourism, especially from Zambia and Botswana.

Briony Smith, owner of Bee Africa Travel and Tours, articulated the importance of such high-profile performances for local communities: “When the world pays attention, it uplifts our community and township businesses.”

Promoter Tony Feldman of Showtime Management added, “Gregory Porter’s performance in Durban was a night to remember, confirming how deeply his music resonates here and the appetite for international acts in the city.”

This vibrant weekend underscored that KwaZulu-Natal offers more than just concert halls and dining; it is a region brimming with cultural richness and scenic beauty, extending this vibrant buzz into its hills, coasts, and urban centres.

The recent visit from a South African Broadcasting Corporation delegation further links KZN to a broader national narrative, aimed at strengthening content creation and showcasing the area's diverse tourism prospects.

In the end, whether through the haunting echoes of jazz or the quiet charm of the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal is carving a prominent space on the tourism map.

With Gregory Porter’s visit serving as a reaffirmation, the world is undoubtedly beginning to pay attention to this unique province’s magic.

The Head of Department at the KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, said: “EDTEA remains committed to leveraging partnerships that stimulate economic growth, create jobs and expand opportunities within the local tourism, hospitality and events industries.

"Strategically timed ahead of the festive season, Gregory Porter’s Love is King Tour not only reinforces our vision of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a premier destination for world‑class cultural events but also aligns with our efforts to increase visitor numbers during an off‑peak period, encouraging extended stays and maximizing visitor spend across the city and province.

"The department remains committed for establishing value adding partnerships with with private-sector partners and other stakeholders to attract exceptional cultural experiences that enrich our communities and drive sustainable economic development throughout the province.”

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