KwaDukuza’s relaxed coastal vibe and year-round warm climate are best enjoyed sitting by the seaside while listening to some fantastic music. This is why visitors to the region’s leading holiday spot are encouraged to get to Salt Rock Main Beach from 30 June to 2 July for the Five Star Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM featuring some of South Africa’s best DJs and bands.

The evening concerts form part of the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong which is taking place at Willard Beach from 22 June to 3 July. The annual sporting and entertainment festival, centred around the hotly-contested international surfing competition, offers an impressive programme consisting of beach and extreme sports, quality cook-offs and a film premiere.

“For three nights, visitors to the KwaDukuza area will have the unique opportunity of seeing 17 of South Africa’s top DJs and bands, completely free of charge,” said event co-ordinator, Collette Bundy. “All the musical action will be taking place at the Salt Rock beach stage, a stunning venue overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is really a not-to-be-missed opportunity!”

The concerts will showcase a diverse mix of South Africa’s musicians, branching across genres from urban and dance to hip hop and alternative rock. The line-up includes big names such as DJ Milkshake, Desmond and the Tutus, The Kiffness, Forbes & Fix and Roger Goode, among many others.

One of the leading artists performing on the first night is renowned South African rapper, Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi aka Kwesta. Originally from the Gauteng’s East Rand, this ground-breaking young artist is making a name for himself nationally and internationally with his unique sound. His debut album, Special ReKwest was an instant success with ‘Pump It’ securing him a DSTV synch-deal and ‘Flava’ used in a 2011 Loerie Awards’ television advertising campaign. Four albums later, Kwesta has received a number of accolades with one of his songs featuring in Hollywood film, Death Race 3: Inferno, and he has since gone on to establish his own record label, Urbantainment.

The second night will see award-winning band, Shortstraw, taking to the stage in the final slot. Their catchy, narrative songs and intricate instrumental work has seen them go from an underground band featuring on late-night student radio stations to opening for international bands including the Kooks, Last Dinosaurs and the Dune Rats. The group walked away with the Best Album award for Good Morning Sunshine and Best Video for Waterworks at the 2014 MK Awards. Their most recent album, Youthless, debuted at number one on the South African iTunes store.

Concert-goers on the third night will get to experience one of the titans of Electronic Dance Music worldwide, Das Kapital. This multi-talented DJ has his own record label, Do Work Records; two national radio shows (including in Das We Trust on 5FM); performs as an artist, DJ, music producer and remixer. This technically-skilled party-starter is sure to keep the crowd entranced throughout his set.

The concerts will start at 4pm each afternoon, continuing until late in the evening, and there will be food and drink on sale. People are welcome to bring picnic blankets and chairs, although the lively music is sure to get the crowd on its feet.