Red Hot Chili Peppers have sparked fresh rumours that they are headed to South Africa.

The group's drummer Chad Smith tweeted on 9 July that their tour will reach Africa early in 2013.

Responding to a tweet from user @sin_says_hi, he wrote: "RT @sin_says_hi: It's not a world tour if you don't come to Africa. @RHCPchad @flea333 Just sayin'/ Ok then..Were comin in Feb!"

The group, which also comprises singer Anthony Kiedis, bass player Flea, and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, are currently on the road supporting their latest album, I'm With You.

The tweet kicked off a frenzy on Twitter, with "Red Hot Chili Peppers" quickly becoming a trending topic in South Africa.

The band kicked off their current tour in Florida on 29 March and spent two months crisscrossing North America before taking in a series of European festivals, including Rock in Rio Madrid on 7 July.

They are next set to perform in St Petersburg, Russia on 20 July.

Big Concerts — who are bringing Lady Gaga to South Africa at the end of 2012 and have in the past brought acts such as Kings of Leon, U2 and Coldplay to local shores — have not responded to Smith's comment, which comes a week after Justin Bieber tweeted that he would be performing in the country as part of his Believe world tour.