A-lister musicians and top radio talent unite Mzansi (and the world) for a night of goodwill through music
For 22 extraordinary years, Jacaranda FM and SPAR 2U have brought the magic of Christmas to life with their annual SPAR 2U Carols by Candlelight — a cherished tradition featuring some of South Africa’s most beloved musicians. This year was no exception!
On 5 December, the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria lit up with holiday cheer as thousands gathered for the live performance of this much-anticipated event. Meanwhile, families across the globe tuned in online from as far as the USA, UK, Canada, and Zimbabwe to enjoy the heartwarming concert from the comfort of their homes.
The theme for this year, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, captured the essence of togetherness, celebrating the joy of coming home and creating new memories through music. The evening was a feast for the soul, featuring unique renditions of carols performed like never before.
“What a magical collaboration! Being transported this festive season by hearing familiar carols sung in a way that’s truly one-of-a-kind is such a special experience,” said Deirdre King, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM. “As we celebrate 22 years of Jacaranda FM’s partnership with SPAR 2U, we honour the spirit of giving and the privilege to share the joy of Christmas through music, generosity, and community. Through the Santa Shoebox initiative, we’re able to bring Christmas cheer to children who deserve it most.”
Audiences were treated to musical mash ups by an all-star lineup such as:
- Judith Sephuma and the Soweto Gospel Choir
- Corlea and Craig Lucas
- Demi Lee and Elandré
- Jo Black, Demi Lee Moore, Corlea, and Elandré together in harmony
- Zolani | The One Who Sings with the Soweto Gospel Choir, and many more!
Adding to the festive spirit, SPAR 2U and Jacaranda FM encouraged fans to give generously to the Santa Shoebox initiative. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will help spread joy to children across South Africa, ensuring that 22 children’s homes across six provinces wake up to new toys and a Christmas filled with love.
“This enchanting event doesn’t just bring families and friends together — it showcases the best of humanity,” said Maxine D’Amico, SPAR 2U Inland Advertising and Promotions Manager. “The generosity of our carollers helps us share the gift of Christmas with those who need it most.”
This year, Jacaranda FM and SPAR 2U once again outdid themselves, raising R550 000 in donations from 12 000 carollers around the world, making it another unforgettable year of festive spirit and goodwill.
Musicians shared their sentiments around the festive season and concert:
LEE COLE
This years’ show (my first) has reminded me to practice gratitude. Gratitude is so good for the soul irrespective of being a part of something as magical as Carols. For Christmas my mom always makes a stuffed Turkey with mash and my family members slowly arrive with desserts and foods – we’re all merry together! My Christmas wish for SA is that everyone remembers who they are and more importantly who we are together and what we can do together as we go into 2025.
DEMI LEE MOORE
This was my second year of being part of Carols and I feel honoured to be back! It’s such a special concert that brings together people from all walks of life.
On Christmas day my mom makes the most delicious triffel and I make the best peppermint tart, we eat A LOT during the day, so pudding only comes out late at night. My Christmas wish for everyone is to enjoy your time with each other if you are fortunate enough to have family and friends to celebrate with.
JO BLACK
Besides for being a charity event, it’s great to see all the children participate, its the one show where everyone sings and shares the spirit of being together. We typically spend Christmas on the road as the festive period is when we tour. We still have the Christmas spirt as I braai (my steak) whilst my wife makes the whole spread for the family. My Christmas wish is peace, we’re all stressed and stretched – I wish peace upon everyone and to know everything will be okay.
ZOLANI | THE ONE WHO SINGS
For me one of the most amazing elements of Carols is giving back trough Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels. It’s important for everyone to consider each other and where we can be of service – we must have a good time but spread goodwill as well. My wish for my South African family is good health and love.
CRAIG LUCAS
This years’ Carols allowed us to assist Good Morning Angels with the charity component and we also got to spread Christmas cheer.
I don’t think I’ve ever done a show with this caliber of musicians and talent, getting to sing with them made me very grateful this festive season. I love the controversial triffel (my moms in particular), I could eat it all year round. Every year my mom looks for something different to add. This Christmas I wish that we all Rember not to drink and drive and to be kind to yourself and loved ones.
JUDITH SEPHUMA
It was so much fun to be part of this great production again, and when you get to see the kids in the audience beaming and singing, you can see why Carols is such a special event. My wish for South Africa is that it’s a beautiful festive season and that we stay united and remind others to share all the love they have to give.
KB MOTSILANYANE
My Christmas wish for every South Africa, is love and fining a moment to appreciate where we are today. We’ve gone through a lot as a country and people are exhausted – this Christmas day I want everyone to feel good and blessed. My wish for South Africa that that you know you are loved and I’m wishing everyone an amazing festive season and wonderful new year.
If you missed this year’s SPAR 2U Carols by Candlelight Presented By Jacaranda FM, catch the show again on One Gospel (DSTV Channel 331) as the concert rebroadcasts from 15 to 24 December.