Two stars from two of the world’s most iconic boy bands are in South Africa right now.
Sun City, South Africa (31 October 2025) – Brian McFadden from Westlife and Keith Duffy from Boyzone, who together formed Boyzlife nearly a decade ago, have brought their Irish charm to SA!
They’re visiting to support one of the biggest charity golfing events, and to celebrate the man who started it all – local legend Gary Player, who turns 90 this Saturday. The invitational and birthday bash will bring one of the biggest gatherings of sportsmen and stars together to celebrate his massive impact.
SA happens to be a recurring character for Brian. His early days in Westlife first brought him here when they shot their When You’re Looking Like That video in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Sun City.
“For a group of Irish lads used to grey skies and rain, it was like stepping into another world,” he laughs. “It was our first time here, and it left us with such brilliant memories.”
He’s also been here on honeymoon, and exactly ten years ago, when he sang at Gary Player’s 80th birthday.
“I sang at Gary’s 80th ten years ago here in Sun City, and it’s just incredible that we’re here to celebrate such a milestone for such an incredible man, a decade later. It’s a great honour – we don’t doubt that we’ll be back again in another 10 years for 100,” he says.
Coinciding with Boyzlife’s visit to SA is also the release of their new single, LoveBirds.
“The biggest joy of life is love. And if you can find a partner that you love and becomes your best friend, your soulmate, well, that’s what our new song, LoveBirds, is all about. It’s about two people that have found each other and they bring the best version of each other out,” he says. “It’s for the people that are already together, and for those that have yet to find love,” says Keith.
The track forms part of their second original album, which they’ve been slowly piecing together over the last year and a half.
“It’s probably the happiest we’ve ever been musically. I think we’re starting to get a real identity in our music. We’re so proud of what we’ve released at the moment and we’re just excited for everybody to hear it,” says Brian.
While Boyzlife haven’t officially toured in South Africa yet, it’s on the cards. Negotiations are happening.
But new music and a potential SA tour aren’t the only reasons we grabbed them for a chat.
For Keith, it’s just one part of his life’s work. He’s also a massive champion of good, advocating for autism awareness in the UK. He started the Keith Duffy Foundation almost ten years ago, inspired by his daughter Mia, who is autistic.
“My daughter was non-verbal. She didn’t speak until she was seven. We were told she’d never speak, and that she’d ultimately end up in residential care. I just wasn’t prepared to allow that to happen,” says Keith. “I took two years out of my career, educated myself on a disability, became a home educator, and taught her myself at home.”
Keith found ways to give his daughter the guidance she needed and beat the odds. She now lives a fulfilled life, and his passion is to push that support even further.
“If you understand the disability and the child, you can put in place the appropriate intervention and education. Showing these kids love is one of the most important things, and letting them know that they are important and deserve to have the best of everything.”
It’s actually a purpose he shares with one of South Africa’s own living legends, Ernie Els, whose son is impacted by autism too. The legendary golfer started a foundation which offers innovative, evidence-based programmes for families and individuals impacted by autism.
“Ernie Els is a hero of mine…The work that he has done, using his familiar face to make a huge difference for families that have children with autism, is phenomenal,” says Keith.
A mega-star inspired by one of SA’s own. That’s special.
As for their time here, the boyband says that their trip to Mzansi has been nothing but good vibes!
“The people here, the golf courses, the food, everything about the place is just great. We know when we’re going to come down a year in advance. Myself and Keith start counting down the weeks,” says Brian.
They left us with a message for their South African fans:
“We want to thank you for all the support from the beginning. Through all of the years of Boyzone and Westlife. We’re really, really excited about bringing our new music here and hopefully we can rekindle that relationship again with our fans,” says Brian.
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