Joburg's summer has an official starting pistol, and it goes off on 31 October. Y, the station formerly known as YFM and long regarded as the heartbeat of the city's youth culture, is bringing LYFE back to Marks Park in Emmarentia for a full day of music, culture and the sounds shaping South Africa right now.

This year's bill puts local talent firmly in the spotlight. South African headliners include Shekhinah, Thando Zide, Lusanda and Umzulu Phaqa, among others.

They are joined by UK-born singer-songwriter AMA, formerly known as AMA LOU. Raised in London, she has carved out a distinctive space in contemporary R&B, blending soulful textures with elements of neo-soul, garage and drill. Her genre-fluid sound and international following add a global dimension to the day, reflecting both the depth of South Africa's music scene and its growing connection to the world stage.

Behind the decks, Y's own LesediTheDJ, Venom, Rarri, Fae-Fae and Fif_Laaa will curate the alternative soundtrack, while Ayanda MVP, Nia Brown, Hey Shawty, Karen Mthethwa and Tulz Madala take charge of the mic, bringing the personality and energy Y audiences know well.

According to Y's Music Curator, Codi Dinca, the festival is designed as a voyage of discovery. "LYFE is an extension of Y's ongoing commitment to showcasing South African and international musicians while creating an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences wanting more," she says. "This year, attendees can expect to embark on a musical journey that moves between the familiar, the unexpected and the new, featuring genre-bending sounds across R&B, neo-soul, contemporary jazz and other alternative genres."

Carefully curated for lovers of alternative music, the event aims to bring like-minded audiences together to discover, connect and celebrate the culture.

There is a clever incentive for those who like to arrive in good time. This year Y is introducing a discounted early-arrival ticket on Webtickets, available on the condition that holders arrive by 1pm. Those who arrive later will need to pay an additional fee at the door. Other ticket options are also available.

LYFE 2026 takes place on Saturday 31 October at Marks Park, Emmarentia, from 10am to 8pm. The event is strictly 18 and over. Tickets are on sale now via Webtickets, and updates, line-up drops and behind-the-scenes content are available across Y's social channels, the YWorld App, OpenView, Yworld.co.za, DStv Channel 859 and 99.2 FM.