Get ready! Mariah the Scientist set to perform in South Africa for the first time in 2026

Get ready, South Africa - American singer and songwriter Mariah the Scientist is coming.

The R&B star will headline the WAV Festival, a new event presented by Afro Nation, which aims to celebrate the rising influence of R&B across Africa.

The festival is set to take place on January 2, 2026, at the Green Point Track in Cape Town, marking The Scientist’s debut performance in South Africa.

Joining her on stage will be a mix of international and local acts, including Kelvin Momo, Shekhinah, Manana, Nanette, Kujenga and Yandani, with more names to be announced. The line-up promises a blend of smooth R&B and soul, bringing together artists who are shaping the sound of contemporary African music.

Born Mariah Buckles in Atlanta, Georgia, The Scientist first gained attention in 2018 with her debut EP, “To Die For”, which she released independently while studying biology at St. John’s University - hence her stage name.

Her blend of emotional lyricism and dreamy, melodic production quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights.

In 2019, she signed with RCA Records and released her debut studio album, “MASTER”, executive produced by Tory Lanez.

The project introduced her distinct sound - intimate storytelling wrapped in minimalist, spacey production - and earned her critical acclaim as one of the most promising new voices in R&B.

She followed it up with “RY RY WORLD” in 2021, which featured singles like “Always n Forever” (featuring Lil Baby) and “2 You”.

The album cemented her reputation for crafting vulnerable yet confident music that explores themes of love, heartbreak and self-discovery.

In 2023, she released “To Be Eaten Alive", her third project and most personal work to date, featuring tracks like “From a Woman” and "Bout Mine”.

The Scientist’s music often draws from real-life experiences, and her airy vocals paired with cinematic production have helped her stand out in a crowded R&B scene.

Her style combines classic R&B sensibilities with a futuristic edge, appealing to both old-school fans and new listeners alike.

Her upcoming performance in Cape Town will give fans a rare chance to experience her live vocals and storytelling up close.