Jill Scott heads to South Africa after Billboard R&B Hall of Fame honour

Jill Scott is heading to South Africa this November with another major career honour to celebrate.

The three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B and neo-soul singer and songwriter has been inducted into the Billboard R&B Hall of Fame, just weeks before bringing her To Whom This May Concern World 2026 Tour to Pretoria and Cape Town.

Scott performs at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 7 November before heading to GrandWest Arena in Cape Town on 11 November.

Tickets start at R645, with both concerts beginning at 20h00.

Jill Scott inducted into Billboard R&B Hall of Fame

Scott’s Hall of Fame honour followed her appearance as a panellist during one of Billboard House’s artist-focused talks at New York’s Ludlow House on 9 September.

Later that evening, Billboard senior charts and data analyst Trevor Anderson presented Scott with the award at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2026 event.

Scott admitted the recognition took her by surprise.

“[I felt] shock, gratefulness, excitement, mostly shock. I don’t take these things for granted; it’s still a shock to me that anybody knows, loves and appreciates my music.”

She was honoured alongside friends and collaborators The Roots, who were named 2026 Hip-Hop Hall of Fame honourees.

Scott co-wrote the band’s 1999 hit “You Got Me”.

“I remember us being on the road together. We’re finally adults. We were adults then, but it felt like we were children. They opened their doors and let me find out about what touring meant, and from them, I learned what I didn’t want, and I learned what I wanted.”

New album marks Scott’s return after more than a decade

Scott’s South African concerts follow the February 2026 release of To Whom This May Concern, her first studio album in more than a decade.

The album features Tierra Whack, Trombone Shorty, JID, Too $hort and Ab-Soul.

It debuted in the top 10 of seven different Billboard charts, including No. 6 on Independent Albums and No. 7 on Top Album Sales.

“Pressha” also became Scott’s first Adult R&B Airplay chart-topper in nearly 13 years.

She recently completed the US leg of her world tour, which concludes in South Africa later this year.

Jill Scott South Africa 2026 concert dates

Scott will perform two concerts:

• Pretoria: Saturday, 7 November at SunBet Arena
• Cape Town: Wednesday, 11 November at GrandWest Arena
• Time: 20h00
• Tickets: From R645

The concerts are promoted by Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises.

This will mark Scott’s fourth visit to South Africa following performances in Johannesburg in 2013 and 2024 and Durban in 2017.

Showtime Management’s Tony Feldman says audiences can expect Scott’s signature connection with her fans.

“Jill Scott’s shows feel personal and intimate – she has a knack of reaching her fans and resonating with them in the way that she tells stories through music.”

Greg Maloka of GRIZA Enterprise says her latest recognition adds another reason to celebrate ahead of the concerts.

“Since we announced these local dates, we’ve seen the To Whom It May Concern album do well around the world, with the song ‘Pressha’ topping the charts. We are thrilled to celebrate Jill Scott’s latest honour – being inducted into Billboard’s illustrious R&B Hall of Fame. South Africa can be sure the November concerts will be world class!”

Tickets are available through Showtime and Ticketmaster. Tickets purchased through unauthorised websites will not be honoured.

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