Legendary musician Sting is returning to South Africa next year.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, will perform at the SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria on March 22, before heading to the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on March 25.
The English musician will be accompanied by virtuoso guitarist and long-time collaborator, Dominic Miller, as well as dynamic drummer Chris Maas, who previously worked with Mumford & Sons and Maggie Rogers.
His Mzansi visit is part of the “Sting 3.0" tour, presented by Cherrytree Music Company and Big Concerts, powered by Hot 102.7 FM and in association with KFM 94.5.
He will bring his tour to the country after performing in several cities in the US as well as in Canada.
“Sting will perform the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography,” a statement from Big Concerts read.
Known for his groundbreaking work as a solo artist and as the frontman and songwriter in the seminal group The Police, the 72-year-old has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical innovation throughout his illustrious career.
His recent tour represents a new dynamic era, showcasing selections from his vast catalogue through the urgent lens of a tight three-piece combo.
This also inspired his new song, “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” released on Friday, September 6.
Sting toured the nation in February last year, performing in Cape Town and Pretoria. He also performed in South Africa in 2012.
Throughout the decades, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has become renowned for hits like “Fields of Gold,” “Shape of My Heart,” “Roxanne,” and “Demolition Man.”
He has sold 100 million albums worldwide from his combined work as one of the most distinctive solo artists in the world with The Police.
As a composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist, Sting has also received a Golden Globe, four Oscar nominations, a Tony nomination, a Billboard Magazine Century Award, and Kennedy Center Honors.
The musician also supports human rights organisations such as the Rainforest Fund, Amnesty International, and Live Aid, which mirrors his art in its universal outreach.
Along with his wife, Trudie Styler, Sting founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect the world’s rainforests and the indigenous people.
∎ The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 9am on Wednesday, September 11, from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 8.59am on Friday, September 13. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am on Friday, September 13, from www.ticketmaster.co.za or www.bigconcerts.co.za.