Spring Fiesta 2016: Standing ovation goes to ‘What About Soul’ stage  

Wild Waters complex in Boksburg became a stand still as thousands of music lovers flooded in the area on the 1st October 2016, to celebrate the sixth annual Spring Fiesta Festival.

Having attended the media press conference three days before the main event at Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park, I was confident that it was going to be a memorable weekend.

As one of the biggest festivals in South Africa, if not the African continent, the difficulties of getting into the venue was expected but it turned out to be the quickest process.

On our arrival, there was a person at the corner of every street leading to the venue checking tickets of all drivers, in order to guide them to the appropriate parking spots. Because the car parks were divided in accordance of tickets values, ushers at various entrances were quick and efficient; they verified, scanned and placed the suitable wrist band on attendees in a matter of minutes. The system put in place was so rapid; it took us less than 10 minutes to park the car, walks into the venue and sited.

Now for the part that the party-goers attended the event for: MUSIC. The most talked about annual event has no history of disappointing fans with the line-up and this year was no different.

All six different stages – including Soul Candi Live main stage, House of Flava, What About Soul and We Live Hip Hop – were ready for the entertainment.

SOUL CANDI LIVE MAIN STAGE – The quality of performances were excellent as expected. But the main stage didn’t feel like one because everyone’s favourite stars such as Monique Bingham, Atjazz and DJ Kent performed too early when people were just settling in. For this reason, their performances were not that memorable. That said, Dj Shimza – whose slot was at 21h00 – delivered a mind-blowing set to the screaming crowd.

HOUSE OF FLAVA – This floor had a very unique set up; it had a night club vibe with a dance floor and disco lights. It felt like we were attending another feast altogether. The talented Mobi Dixon and Prince Kaybee’s performances on the decks were part of the highlights. The energy level was enjoyably high.

WE LIVE HIP HOP – This stage was not far off, and fans were certainly not disappointed. DJ Dimplez and Nasty C rocked the stage with an excellent set that lead the music lovers to not only dance but sing along as well. This made one to believe that South African hip hop is on another level.

WHAT ABOUT SOUL – This stage was on fire, literally. Period. It was definitely were the feast was. Heavy-weights such as Vinny da Vinci and N’dinga Gaba blew me away, they gave a well-deserved standing ovation performance. As a result they managed to attract a huge delighted crowd.

My overhaul impression: The Spring Fiesta does get better and better; a great channel to grow South African artists.

The only downside that spoiled the party for me was that, although SAPS were heavily present, one of the guys I shared a table with got his Samsung Galaxy S7 mobile phone worth R12 000 stolen.

Thanks to the Spring Fiesta PR for the invite.

Picture credit: Facebook. 

 

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