History is being made. At just 27 years old, British rapper, producer, and songwriter Dave has become the first and only UK rap artist to debut three consecutive studio albums at Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Now, for the first time, Dave is bringing his live show to South African shores, and Pretoria is one of only two cities on the itinerary.
“The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour” arrives at Sunbet Arena, Time Square, on 3 October 2026, with doors opening at 18:00 and the show starting at 20:00. Whether you know Dave through the genre-defining grit of “Location”, the chart-smashing energy of “Sprinter”, or his 2025 collaboration with Tems on “Raindance” a track that debuted at Number 5 on the UK Singles Chart before climbing to Number 1, this is a concert experience worth planning properly.
And proper planning starts with where you sleep.
What Makes Dave’s Pretoria Concert a Must-See Event
Dave’s live performances have earned consistent critical praise for their emotional depth and technical precision. His catalogue spans introspective storytelling and high-energy anthems, shaped by collaborations with artists including Central Cee, Burna Boy, Stormzy, and James Blake. Seeing that body of work performed live, for the first time on South African soil, is a genuinely rare occasion.
Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster via Big Concerts. Fans are strongly advised to purchase only through official channels. Viagogo and other secondary sites sell unauthorised tickets that will result in denied entry with no refund.
With the concert falling on a Friday evening, many attendees will be travelling into Pretoria for the weekend. Choosing the right hotel matters, not just for convenience on the night itself, but for the quality of the overall experience.
The Best Hotels Near Sunbet Arena for the Dave Concert
ANEW Hotels & Resorts operates three well-appointed properties across Pretoria, each offering a distinct location advantage and a consistent standard of 4-star comfort. Here is what to expect from each one:
ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria – 17 Minutes from Sunbet Arena
Located at 390 Van Der Walt, Lilian Ngoyi Street in the Pretoria CBD, ANEW Hotel Capital sits at the heart of the Jacaranda City. The drive to Sunbet Arena covers 10.8 km via the M11, with minimal turns and a reliable journey time of around 17 minutes under typical traffic conditions.
The hotel offers 104 modern rooms across five categories: Standard, Deluxe, Executive Rooms, Deluxe Suites, and Executive Suites. Standard Rooms feature queen-size beds with walk-in showers and double-glazed windows for a quiet night’s rest. Deluxe Suites step things up with king-size beds, open-plan seating areas, and en-suite bathrooms that include both a walk-in shower and a free-standing tub. Executive Suites, the largest rooms at 36m², offer separate lounge areas, two flat-screen TVs, and a coffee machine.
On-site, guests have access to a restaurant serving African and international cuisine, a bar, a swimming pool, complimentary WiFi, room service, and a complimentary shuttle to and from the Gautrain station. For those arriving by train or wanting to explore the CBD before or after the concert, the Gautrain connection is a particularly useful perk.
ANEW Hotel Hatfield Pretoria – 13 Minutes from Sunbet Arena
Situated at 1054 Burnett Street in the vibrant suburb of Hatfield, ANEW Hotel Hatfield offers the shortest drive to Sunbet Arena of the three options, 8.4 km via Atterbury Road, typically completed in 13 minutes. The route is efficient and well-signed, making it particularly practical for a late-night return after the show.
The hotel features 88 modern rooms and apartments, making it well-suited to both solo travellers and those attending as a group. Room types range from compact Standard Rooms (15m²) and king-size Deluxe Rooms (21m²) through to spacious 2-Bedroom Apartments (47m²), which include a kitchenette, separate living area, and Smart TV with access to Netflix and YouTube. Standard and Executive Apartments also come with kitchenette facilities, a practical choice for a longer stay.
ANEW Hotel Hatfield is within walking distance from the University of Pretoria and several international embassies, with the Hatfield Gautrain Station nearby and a complimentary shuttle service available. The hotel’s bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and 24-hour reception round out a comfortable package.
ANEW Hotel Centurion Pretoria – 16 Minutes from Sunbet Arena
Set in the business hub of Centurion, ANEW Hotel Centurion is located at the corner of Gordon Hood and Hendrik Verwoerd Drive South. The drive to Sunbet Arena covers 16.4 km via the N1 Ben Schoeman Freeway, with a typical travel time of 16 minutes. The N1 route is familiar to most Gauteng drivers and well-suited to highway comfort.
With 178 rooms and suites, ANEW Hotel Centurion is the largest of the three properties and offers the widest range of room types. Options include Economy Rooms, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms with private step-out balconies overlooking the Hennops River, Superior Family Suites (55m²), and spacious Executive Apartments (50m²) complete with dedicated lounge areas and city views.
The hotel features a modern on-site gym, swimming pool, bar, restaurant serving African and international cuisine, seven conference venues, and a shuttle service. Its position adjacent to Centurion Mall gives guests direct access to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services handy for a pre-concert meal or post-show exploration over the weekend.
How to Choose the Right Hotel for the Dave Concert Weekend
All three ANEW Hotels are within 17 minutes of Sunbet Arena and offer reliable, comfortable accommodation with on-site dining and modern amenities. The decision comes down to a few practical factors:
- Fastest return after the show: ANEW Hotel Hatfield (13 min, 8.4 km)
- Central city location with Gautrain access: ANEW Hotel Capital (17 min, 10.8 km)
- Largest property with the most room variety: ANEW Hotel Centurion (16 min, 16.4 km)
- Group or extended stay with apartment options: ANEW Hotel Hatfield or ANEW Hotel Centurion
- Quieter surroundings and mall access: ANEW Hotel Centurion
Whichever property you choose, booking early is strongly recommended. A concert of this profile, Dave’s South African debut, will generate significant demand for accommodation across the Pretoria and Centurion area that weekend.
