Fierce surfing action, searing cooking contests, non-stop sports’ activities and daily entertainment are planned for 2017’s Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong.

This annual holiday festival culminates in two days of incredible musical talent at The Cadbury 5Star Ballito Pro FREE Music Concerts powered by 5FM.

The all-star concerts will take over the Salt Rock Beach stage on Thursday, July 6 and Friday, July 7 featuring a cross-section of South African musical genres including urban, rap, electronic, pop, indie and folk.

Also read: ENTER! #Savethewaves surfboard design competition

Getting the concert going on Thursday, July 6 is South African rapper Smiso ‘Okmalumkoolkat’ Zwane, bringing beats from his latest album, Mlazi Milano.

Gauteng’s multi-award-winning rapper, Kwesta, will then take to the stage to prove exactly why he stole the show at the recent South African Music Awards.

One of Durban’s hottest electronic duo’s, Snapbvck – consisting of Ryan James and Rhys Fataar – will bring the ‘Noise’ with hits from their debut album, ‘Forget the Name’ which is already making waves in the music industry.

The energy levels are set to rise even further when one of the country’s most versatile musicians, Ph Madubela aka DJ p.H, shows off his incredible talent for dropping the beat at just the right time.

And, bringing the first night to an epic close is the man who was born to entertain, DJ Lloyd. The audience can look forward to this icon’s vibey sound backed by some serious dance music experience.

Forming part of the official After Dark Parties taking place at Crush Nightclub, upcoming talent will get a chance to showcase their musical know-how during the Battle of the DJs with the winner taking to the stage at The Cadbury 5Star Ballito Pro FREE Music Concerts Powered by 5FM Thursday set.

Friday night

One of the country’s most in-demand musicians, Matthew Mole, will prove his impressive singer/songwriter talent on the beach stage as the opening act for day two on Friday, July 7.

This pop-folk musical set will be followed by the unmistakable sound of Desmond and the Tutus whose style has been described as ‘an awesome blend of rock n roll, indie kwela, pop and genius’.

Renowned as one of the country’s best live acts, it will take a band of supreme ability to follow. And December Streets is just that. This Pretoria-based indie rock band has an eclectic rhythm and great beats that unite musical genres and people.

After breaking onto the South African music stage in 2016 as an Idols competitor, Pietermaritzburg’s Matt Gardiner has impressed audiences with his strong vocals and captivating performances.

Also taking to the stage on Friday are the acoustic duo of Rudi Greyvenstein and Gary Nixon who make up The Kickstands, a band whose mellow vibe links them back to their KwaZulu-Natal South Coast roots.

The two have the enviable ability of creating an amazingly effortless sound that appeals to a variety of tastes and their understated manner explodes on stage wealth of musical talent.

Closing off the set in some serious style is the hugely energetic, Kyle Cassim. Playing anything from deep soulful house to electronic dance music, while always reading the crowd, Cassim is sure to keep the audience dancing to the very end.

More action packed entertainment

The free music concert is a fantastic addition to the festival’s action-packed programme which includes extreme motocross performances by Bruce and Brent le Riche, the Night of Food & Wine cooking contests and entertainment on Tuesday, July 4 and Wednesday, July 5; a host of shopping opportunities at the Retail Delight; sports fun and beach action at the Coca Cola Football Arena and ongoing children’s entertainment at the Willard Beach Kids’ Zone.

The Save the Waves campaign will run throughout the festival, encouraging waste recycling while educating beach-goers about ocean conservation.

FREE Music Concerts line-up

THURSDAY, JULY 6

Okmalumkoolkat
Kwesta
Snapbvck
PH
DJ Lloyd
Crush Nightclub Battle of the DJs winner

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Matthew Mole
Desmond & the Tutus
December Streets
The Kickstands
Matt Gardiner
Kyle Cassim

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

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