ALBEIT the line-up for this much awaited Piano Festival has not being finalized, a guarantee for any party-goer, its gonna be LIT.
It makes its debut in the SA’s entertainment calendar and according to the organisers they want to disrupt the market, by curating an experience never seen, never heard before.
World’s favourite playground Sun City resort, Bokone Bophirima is the venue host starting from April 29 to 30.
The epic, yet-to-be announced Piano fest line-up promises to deliver great live performances, high energy and further celebrate the Amapiano genre with some of its biggest names all on one stage, while placing the spotlight on upcoming talent as well.
Close to 24 to 30 artists and DJs will be providing entertainment over a two- day affair, that is certainly guaranteed to create more jobs, be it directly or indirectly, in the region of Rustenburg and the province from local tourism perspective to economical spin-offs amongst others.
My hope is to see the buy-in from the Government of Bokone Bophirima in helping us, support our good intentions and develop the much needed tailored tourism programmes through our activations, says the worried Vertex events executive director, Thato Segaole, one of SA’s youngest promoter of note, who are curating the two-day extravaganza.
Pouring his heart-out after media launch at Altitude Beach, Fourways this week, the lanky Thato told this reporter: “Tourism and people are all interlinked and yes, we’re bringing the numbers and economical benefits into the province, but it seems these guys (NW Provincial Gvt) are not realizing the impact and holistic approach we’re carrying. I get not joy at all from them,” says the Rustenburg born, who was behind the popular celebrity boxing match exhibition between Cassper Nyovest and Naaq Musik at the same venue Sun City in 2022., whom he says have gone to build a mutual working relationship with Sun International that took years’ to come to fruition.
“Ours is to promote and market small towns, villages and dorpies as part of national tourism development strategy,” he remarked, clad in his tailored blue-suit and expensive Nike sneakers.
Smiling from ear to ear, on the fest Thabo waxed lyrically: ” As a first of its kind, PianoFest sets itself apart by being more than just about music. Elements such as culture, fashion and art will also be at the forefront for all attendees to experience and enjoy, further expressing a true festival feel and ambience.”
Although unconfirmed but we have it on good authority AmaPiano stars namely Papi Cooper, Amos, Sir Trill and Soa Mattrix are some of the artists on these mouthwatering line-up.
Tickets will be available for purchase on Webtickets – www.webtickets.co.za and at PicknPay stores nationwide.
Saturday Ticket price: R200 – R300
Sunday Ticket price: R250
Ticket Prices this week go for R100, while next week Monday prices are set at R150.
Thereafter tickets will be at the normal price, between R200 and R300.
Accommodation packages are also available.
What is Amapiano- a question many continue to ask?
Emerging from South Africa as early as 2012, AmaPiano is today waxing stronger than ever as artists establish multiple digital platforms and spaces.
Music executives are jostling to see how all of this might translate into mega bucks and business.
Amapiano is overwhelmingly deejay-driven, with infectious and often melodic beats interlaced with bluesy, jazzy interludes that are punctuated by the ubiquitous log drum (programmed electronic drumbeats that sound natural).
The dance music genre has dominated dancefloors, spreading from South Africa to West Africa and now to the world.
Is it time though to peer through the hype and see if amapiano is able to transition from a cloistered club scene onto a truly global stage in terms of performance strength, conviction and credibility, only time will tell?
The first annual AmaPiano Music awards were held in 2021, thus showing the hype around this genre.
Top image SLM (The Piano Fest media launch held at Altitude Beach, Fourways).
