Delicious food and cool sounds at Kyalami festival

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy headlines sushi, tacos, kotas and tripe, cocktails and a cultural exploration

One of the premier food and music festivals on the continent is not called “delicious” for nothing, as I experienced all kinds of taste explosions in my mouth while watching some of the top artists in the world perform.

Gauteng Tourism invited me on behalf of the Dispatch to visit busy Johannesburg, which is always a different experience to our coastal East London.

This year’s DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival was one not to be missed.

Returning after a two-year hiatus, DStv continued its ongoing partnership with the festival as the headline sponsor of the event that took place on September 24 and 25 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

The festivities for myself and other media members actually started on the Friday when we were given a tour behind the scenes.

Kyalami Grand Prix is a huge venue and it would be soon be packed with a sea of people indulging in salivating dishes and enjoying the music from local stars such as Msaki and Major League DJs.

But the most excitement was reserved for Nigerian superstar Burna Boy’s performance.

On Saturday, day one of the festival, the Joburg skies were clear and the sun baked down on the thousands who braved the scorching heat and flocked to the venue.

It was my first experience of one of the biggest festivals the country has hosted.

The first day was overwhelming, especially when you are around more than 40,000 attendees on the Saturday alone.

The congested traffic on the highway was a clear indication of the number of consumers heading for the annual event.

I was with my fellow colleagues from different media houses, including neighbouring country Botswana.

Music was already blasting when we arrived with the legendary kwaito group, TKZee, taking the audience back down memory lane.

Mdu Masilela, also known as The Godfather of Kwaito, showed the young generation how to perform a live set without breaking a sweat.

The whole festival was a cashless environment — there was an access point where one was given a Howler card and could load the amount of one’s choice.

The food stalls offered delicious snacks and meals, from seafood paella, sushi, tacos, burritos, burgers to local favourites kotas and tripe.

The drinks were interesting. I never thought I would drink a slush puppy made of homemade ginger beer.

And the usual beverages were flowing endlessly. People were drinking cocktails from one litre jugs.

A brand new bigger bar was an addition to the stalls. The queues were long, due to the unbearable hot weather, but people were patient. It would have been better if the food stalls sold water.

Saturday activities proceeded, regardless of the long queues and hot weather.

While the event organisers did all they could to salvage the situation, it was headline act Burna Boy who became the redemptive highlight of the disappointing day one.

Grammy winner Burna Boy arrived on stage at about 8pm and the venue erupted.

The venue was vibrating, people sacrificed their meals to witness the electrifying, talented musician.

Sunday’s activities were much better, the crowd was calmer and just seated on their camp chairs, under their umbrellas, waiting for the main acts such as Angie Stone and legendary R&B songwriter Kenneth Edmonds, known as Babyface.

Msaki, Simphiwe Dana and other artists paid homage to the late Miriam Makeba in song.

Babyface closed off the festival in style, with his soothing voice, and songs dating back from the 1970s.

On Monday, the last day, we went to the Cradle of Humankind in Maropeng, where we learnt about our roots and heritage.

It was an insightful tour which made me appreciate where I come from, and how we as human beings have evolved.

We went for sundowners at SA’s club of the moment, Konka in Soweto. I now get the hype around the place, it’s beautiful with a vibe to match. Joburg gave me an experience that I will forever remember.

Head of destination marketing in Gauteng Tourism Barba Gaoganediwe said: “This was one fabulously delicious heritage weekend, especially coming back from two years of no artist performing.

“Despite the challenges we experienced on Saturday, on Sunday the systems improved.

“This is the start of what we hope will be a better start of a festive season and a boost to tourism, we are closing down tourism month with a bang.”

He said the economy was not only for Gauteng province, but the rest of the country.

In other provinces they look forward to festive summer activities, while Gauteng is the exporter of domestic travel.

“The SMMEs are the main beneficiaries of the festival, as we had 21 food stalls which is the celebration of the Proudly South African 21 years of existence. It is befitting tribute to have 21 stalls marking the 21 years,” he said.

South African DJ Lamiez Holworthy, the Woolworths Rewards ambassador, said the energy was just what she needed.

“It is amazing seeing people enjoying themselves, and enjoying the food and drinks.

“I was booked to play on Saturday, and it was amazing. I am hoping next year we see more South African artists on the main stage,” she said.