There’s something so unique about South African music and its combination of influences, styles, beats and tempos. In the three decades of our democracy, we’ve seen a dynamic musical evolution with new sounds to delight the eardrums of a wide range of different people.
To celebrate the growing popularity of local music, the historic Constitution Hill Old Fort in Joburg will stage The Road to Amapiano Festival on Saturday. The event is a collaboration between the Arts & Culture Trust and Soda World, a platform for collaborative entertainment that brings people together both in the real world and in virtual worlds, centred around music and good times.
A host of performers will pay tribute to the nation’s rich musical heritage and its exploding influence on the global stage. Showcased will be a mix of music genres that have been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s cultural and musical identity.
South African music royalty, Oskido, is on the line-up. This multitalented recording artist, DJ, record producer and label owner has ridden a wave of popularity in the industry for over 26 years. He’s one of the pioneering artists of kwaito music and has been central to the rise of Afro-house. He’s also opened doors for a range of up-and-coming amapiano artists.
Kwaito legend Thebe, known as “The Party Starter” and bad boy of the genre, will also have his moment on stage. Over his career, Thebe has recorded lots of successful albums, which has solidified him a spot in the kwaito hall of fame.
Also on the bill are popular radio personality, DJ and producer Glen Lewis; grand master of the turntables Ready D, a former member of the Prophets of Da City crew, which boomed onto the scene in the late 1980s and who’s brand of hip-hop has a cult following all over Africa; rapper, songwriter and record producer Nasty C, dubbed “The Coolest Kid In Africa”; Tamara Dey, known to her fans as the “First Lady of Kwaito”; and the audacious Moonchild Sanelly, distinctive because of her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called “future ghetto funk”.
Other artists billed to perform include kwaito music group Boom Shaka consisting of Junior Sokhela, Theo Nhlengethwa and Thembi Seete; Just Themba, resident DJ on the wildly popular show on Radio 2000, Space And Time, hosted by Paul Mnisi. Scott Maphuma, MFR Soul, Jab a Jaw, Thakzin, Jimm & Tonic, Aero Manyelo and Mellow & Sleazy.
The festival will cover three decades of South African music, highlighting the evolution and innovation of genres like kwaito, Afro-house, gqom, Afrotech and amapiano through DJ and live act performances.
Tickets start from R100 (flash sales) and for R350 general access, click here
For virtual and international tickets, click here
Enjoy a day/night experience at the iconic Constitution Hill that features, virtual reality (VR), curated maker market products and experiences, gaming, gourmet local food and kids entertainment zone.
The Road to Amapiano Festival combines virtual and physical audiences through mixed-reality technology. Attendees can enjoy an immersive experience live at the venue or in VR from anywhere on the planet. Whether you're an experienced or new VR user, bring your own VR set or rent one at the event to immerse yourself in this celebration of music and technology. Audiences can log into the virtual space using any mobile device via Spatial.io or VRChat.
‘We’re creating an entirely new concert paradigm. By merging advanced mixed reality with South Africa’s vibrant musical legacy, we’ve developed an experience that erases physical limitations. Whether you’re moving to the beat at Constitution Hill or tuning in from Tokyo, you’ll be immersed in a landmark event that broadcasts Africa’s creative brilliance to the globe,” said Soda World founder Michael Balkind.
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