Pretoria is bracing for a music lover’s dream as the much-anticipated Ndlala Mall Grand Opening turns into a two-day R&B celebration. In a move that’s set to cause major FOMO for anyone thinking of skipping it, international R&B legend Joe Thomas has confirmed he’s staying in South Africa to headline the Friday, 22 August 2025 ceremony — joined by none other than Donell Jones for Saturday’s finale.
Joe, whose velvety vocals defined an era, has been a chart-topping force since the ’90s with platinum-selling albums like All That I Am, My Name Is Joe, and Better Days. Expect to sway and sing along to timeless hits such as I Wanna Know, All the Things Your Man Won’t Do, Don’t Wanna Be a Player, and the unforgettable number-one smash Stutter.
But the surprises don’t stop there. Saturday belongs to the smooth crooner Donell Jones, the man behind soulful classics that ruled R&B playlists — Where I Wanna Be, U Know What’s Up, This Luv, and Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me). Jones’ heartfelt lyrics and smooth delivery have made him a go-to for romance, nostalgia, and late-night grooves.
“This is us keeping our promise,” says Ndlala Mall CEO Thami Ndlala. “We wanted people to have the chance to choose their favourite — or better yet, experience both.”
The man behind it all, Thami Ndlala, is no stranger to making headlines. A self-made billionaire and visionary entrepreneur, he transformed the former Sterland Mall into a sleek mixed-use lifestyle and retail hub, attached to the luxury Ndlala Oligarch Hotel and Apartments. His property empire, Ndlalayesizwe Real Estate, spans South Africa, London, and the USA — built on the ethos: Where Heritage Meets the Future.
With an R&B double-bill like this, Pretoria’s Arcadia will be the epicenter of music, style, and star power for two unforgettable nights.
Tickets are selling fast — visit ndlalaarena.co.za/events to secure your spot.
