Ballito Pro concert draws thousands

Thousands upon thousands of people descended on Salt Rock Beach last night (Thursday) for the first 5Star Cadbury free concert with the Ballito Pro.

Okmalumkoolkat, Kwesta, Snapbvck, DJ PH and DJ Loyd entertained the crowds with the latest hip-hop and kwaito between 5pm and 10.30pm.

Event coordinator Colette Bundy said they were happy to report an incident free event once again.

“This concert normally draws between 10 and 12 thousand people. Last night attracted the same numbers and the atmosphere was incredible.

“It feels great to be able to offer an event of this calibre for free and to see people, both holidaymakers and residents of KwaDukuza, enjoying it to the max.”

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While concert itself was a rousing success, residents of the surrounding streets complained that partygoers continued drinking and partying long into the wee hours of the morning. The concert officially ended at 10.30pm.

“There is only one access road to Salt Rock beach and as the majority of people were using taxis and there was a lot of congestion it did take a few hours for the venue to empty.

Bundy denied rumours that traffic police and other officials left at 10pm – leaving two SAPS members to police the crowd of thousands.

“There may have been some confusion when traffic officials changed shifts at 10pm but I can assure you there were officials from G4S, crime prevention, traffic and SAPS were there all night.

“I myself stayed at the beach until 2.30am to ensure that all was going smoothly.”

However, Ocean Drive resident Des Groos told The Courier that people were partying near her house till 5am this morning (Friday).

“I run a guest house in Ocean Drive and this is not what my guests were expecting when they came to the Dolphin Coast for a holiday.”

Groos was out and about early this morning picking up bottles, cans, broken glass, condoms and more from in front of her property just above the beach.

“At one point people were throwing beer bottles into my yard,” she said.

Fortunately, cleanup workers and KDM employees were out early, cleaning up the beach and the roads and by midday the beach and roads were cleared of most of the rubbish.

Tonight the entertainment continues with a star studded line-up at Salt Rock Beach.

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.

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.

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.

The free music concert is a fantastic addition to the festival’s action-packed programme which still includes extreme motocross performances by Bruce and Brent le Riche and 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.

FRIDAY
4.30pm – Matt Gardiner
5.15pm – The Kickstands
6pm – December Streets
7pm – Matthew Mole
8pm – Desmond & The Tutu’s
9pm – Nick Hamman
10pm – Kyle Cassim
11pm – Concert Ends

WATCH: Thousands came out to enjoy the concert at Salt Rock Beach

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

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