Minister Gayton McKenzie has heralded the launch of the FNB Stadium’s new dome as a pivotal moment for South Africa’s entertainment industry. The 6000-square-metre venue, unveiled on 10 February 2025, promises to transform Johannesburg into a prime destination for concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. The FNB Dome is set to become a game-changer for local talent, bringing new opportunities and support for emerging artists and event promoters.
A Premier Entertainment Hub in Johannesburg
Located next to the iconic FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, the FNB Dome will be an entertainment powerhouse for years to come. Stadium Management South Africa, in collaboration with Live Nation and Gearhouse South Africa, has created a space designed to foster creativity, inclusivity, and economic growth. The dome’s debut was marked by a grand event attended by prominent figures, including Minister Gayton McKenzie, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Johannesburg Mayor Sello Enoch Dada Morero.
The dome is not just a venue—it’s a symbol of the commitment to reshaping South Africa’s entertainment landscape. The launch event, hosted by veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa, set the stage for what promises to be a year full of cultural milestones. Minister Gayton McKenzie emphasized the importance of this venue for local artists, saying, “We are going to change the lives of artists… not in 2026 or 2027, but in 2025.”
A Venue for All Creatives
In his speech, Gayton McKenzie spoke passionately about the inclusivity of the FNB Dome, emphasizing that it would not only be a space for established promoters but also a platform for emerging talent. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that up-and-coming artists would have equal access to this world-class venue. “We’ve spoken to stadium management and Big Concerts,” McKenzie shared. “Up-and-coming promoters are being kept away from venues because they are not on the database. We have made sure that this does not happen.”
The FNB Dome will feature a permanent stage and a cutting-edge sound system, making it a “plug-and-play” destination for events of all kinds. This ensures that artists, regardless of their experience or background, can bring their creativity to life without unnecessary barriers.
Empowering Local Talent and Boosting the Economy
Bertie Grobbelaar, CEO of Stadium Management South Africa, highlighted the broader impact of the FNB Dome. “Beyond hosting world-class events, the dome will create jobs, support local businesses, and drive community initiatives,” he stated. This aligns with the vision of the FNB Dome to not only support the arts but also contribute to the economic development of the region.
Through collaborations with industry giants like Live Nation South Africa and Gearhouse South Africa, the dome is poised to become a vibrant cultural hub in Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng province. The venue will provide a platform for local talent to showcase their work while driving growth and innovation in South Africa’s entertainment sector.
A Vision for the Future: FNB Dome and the G20 Summit
Looking ahead, McKenzie pointed to the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg as a milestone that would place the creative industries in the spotlight. Drawing inspiration from the G20 summit in Brazil, McKenzie predicted a similar focus on artists, singers, and dancers. He urged those who had given up on their artistic pursuits to “write a new song,” emphasizing the opportunities that lay ahead for South African creatives.
“This is the biggest thing to happen in this country in a very long time,” McKenzie stated. The FNB Dome’s launch is just the beginning of what promises to be a thriving era for South African entertainment, with the potential to change the lives of many artists and event organizers across the country.
The FNB Dome as a Beacon for South African Creativity
With Gayton McKenzie leading the charge, the FNB Dome is poised to be a transformative force in South Africa’s entertainment scene. This state-of-the-art venue will not only host major events but also foster a thriving, inclusive creative community that drives both cultural and economic growth. The FNB Dome stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the limitless potential of South African talent.
As Minister McKenzie aptly put it, if you’ve given up on singing, it’s time to write a new song—because the future of entertainment in South Africa is bright, and the FNB Dome is here to ensure that everyone has a chance to take center stage.
Also Read: Top 10 Priorities for Gayton McKenzie as Minister of Sports
