( CNN ) -- Nearly three decades after a member of his band launched a protest against apartheid , Bruce Springsteen is performing in South Africa next year for the first time . Springsteen will take the stage in Cape Town on January 28 and 29 . He 'll then head to Johannesburg , where he 'll play a gig on February 1 . The Boss will perform with his E Street Band , whose member Steven Van Zandt founded the Artists United Against Apartheid protest group in 1985 . Band member Van Zandt enlisted big names to join him in the hit song `` Sun City , '' which slammed the apartheid government in South Africa . Dozens of performers took part , including Springsteen , Bono , Bob Dylan and the late Lou Reed . The legalized racial segregation enforced by the South African government ended in 1994 , when Nelson Mandela was elected the nation 's first black president . Springsteen has sold more than 65 million albums in the United States and 120 million worldwide .
The Boss will perform with his E Street Band . In February 1 , band member Van Zandt began a campaign against the United States apartheid . Steven Van Zandt enlisted big names to be part of the campaign , including Bono and Steven Van Zandt .