The renowned Bala Family, one of South Africa’s most celebrated musical dynasties, will reunite for a special Christmas concert at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Monday, 22 December.
The event, “Christmas with The Bala Family,” marks the first occasion the entire family will perform together on a single stage. The lineup includes siblings Zwai, Pinky, Loyiso and Phelo, alongside their mother, Veronica.
The lineup includes siblings Zwai, Pinky, Loyiso and Phelo Bala, alongside their mother, Veronica Bala. Credit: Supplied
“This is more than just a concert – it’s a heartwarming homecoming and a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate what truly matters,” organisers said whilst announcing the event.
Zwai Bala explained the evening’s concept to the PE Express: “The theme is holiday music, so the repertoire will include popular carols as well as some of the Bala Family favourites and feel-good solos and collaborations.”
This marks a significant milestone for the musical family, as Zwai confirmed: “Yes, this is the first annual Christmas concert.”
The choice of Christmas music holds deep personal significance for Zwai, rooted in his childhood experiences.
“Growing up in a Christian home, going to church first and then the big lunch was the tradition,” he recalled. “The Christmas clothes were certainly a highlight.”
However, his appreciation for Christmas carols developed gradually through different church experiences.
“Christmas songs weren’t a great feature at the Methodist church and the Old Apostolic,” Zwai noted.
“However, when one year we visited the Anglican church where our uncle was a priest, the service was full of these songs and that stuck with me.”
It was his formal musical education that truly cemented his love for festive music.
“But it was at Drakies, the choir school, that we really got into it with the Noel tour at the end of every year,” he explained. “We did so many different arrangements of carols and sang many solos in the city halls across the country.”
The “Christmas with The Bala Family” concert will also showcase Bala Voices, a youth vocal ensemble mentored by The Bala Family.
Audiences can expect a blend of classic Christmas carols and reimagined festive favourites, infused with African soul and storytelling.
Tickets are available through Webtickets, with options including Early Bird, VIP and Group of Four packages.
Date: Monday, 22 December 2025.
Venue: The Boardwalk ICC
Dress Code: Festive Chic – light summer elegance with Christmas touches.
