The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, is set to #LiveTheLegacy this year with some of the best South African musical acts performing at The Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM, and Crush Nightclub After Dark Parties. The 50th edition of this popular holiday festival, supported by KwaDukuza Municipality, will take place at KwaDukuza from 21 June to 1 July.
Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM
The best musical entertainment will rock Salt Rock Beach on Thursday, 28 and Friday, 29 June at the Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM.
On Thursday, 28 June, 5FM’s own Kid Fonque and Kyle Cassim will generate their influential sounds alongside one of the country’s best rappers, Okmalumkoolkat. The uMlazi-born superstar is a renowned trendsetter in the musical industry, creating ‘new age’ kwaito with plans for more gqom sounds in his music. Hip hop’s foremost female DJ – and now music producer – MS Cosmo, will also take to the stage to perform some of her hottest tracks, ‘Connect’ and ‘Ay Baby’. This Soweto-born DJ will not disappoint.
The programme just gets hotter with the announcement of the Thursday concert’s headline act, internationally-respected dance duo, Black Motion. Tshwane’s own Robert Mahosana (DJ Murda) and Thabo ‘Smol’ Mabogwane are the men behind Black Motion, and they’re excited to bring their trademark mix of live percussion, kwaito and house to the Ballito stage.
The best beats continue on Friday, 29 June, as South African indie rock band, December Streets, wow the Ballito audiences with some of their hits, including ‘My Name’, ‘Got that Feeling’ and ‘Thief’. The unique, energised sound of acoustic duo, The Kickstands, will captivate the audience as Rudi Greyvenstein and Gary Nixon display some truly raw talent, performing hits such as ‘Hold On’ and ‘Back to Paradise’.
The sounds of the influential record producer and performer, Sketchy Bongo, will add to this musical feast with Gauteng’s electronic/dance genius, TiMO ODV, also set to get the crowds amped. This young star is a gold-selling South African songwriter, producer and DJ who’s been rocking the music industry since 2011. And, two names synonymous with getting a party going – 5FM’s own Nick Hamman and Rob Forbes – will make this a perfect musical line-up.
While enjoying the hottest musical acts, audiences can also win big at the Ballito Pro Music Concerts Powered by 5FM. All they have to do is snap a boomerang selfie with Mitchum, post it onto any social media platform with the #Switch2Mitchum and stand a chance to win an amazing hamper… because ‘Great Moments in Life Start with Mitchum’!
Nick Hamman will also be showing his on-air talent as 5FM will be hosting live broadcasts from the Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong. From Wednesday, 27 June to Friday, 29 June, Hamman Time will be broadcasting during the 9am to 12pm time slot. On Saturday, 30 June from 10am to 2pm, 5FM Charts with Nick Hamman will be taking over the airwaves directly from The Ballito Pro.
Crush Nightclub After Dark Parties
From 22 June every night until 1 July, there will be non-stop musical entertainment taking over Ballito as Crush Nightclub hosts the After Dark Parties for the 5th year.
With two dance floors hosting some of the country’s hottest DJs, as well as some amazing drink specials, Crush is the only place to be in Ballito when the sun goes down! Guest DJs featuring this year include Chunda Munki, TiMO ODV, Chris Taylor, Strange Loving…and many more still to be announced!
Catch Crush Nightclub’s After Dark Party promoters on the beaches every day, handing out free tickets and other fun giveaways. Strictly no U18s allowed and ID checks will be performed at the door.
This year’s dynamic party list includes:
Friday, 22 June: Pro pre-party – Royal Love and Friends
Saturday, 23 June: Living the Legacy – Featuring Tommy D
Sunday, 24 June: Swell Sundays – Battle of the DJs
Monday, 25 June: Battle of the DJs Finals
Tuesday, 26 June: Swimwear Show hosted by Big Night Out
Wednesday, 27 June: Student Night – Featuring Chunda Munki
Thursday, 28 June: Durban Takeover – Featuring Veranda Panda
Friday, 29 June: Ride the Tide – Featuring TiMO ODV
Saturday, 30 June: Living the Legacy – Featuring Strange Loving
Sunday, 1 July: Swell Sundays – Ballito Pro Closing Party
In addition to the hottest musical performances, The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, has a full festival programme running throughout the two weeks. These include:
• Shaun Tomson’s Positive Wave Tour driven by SMG Rocks
• Retro Jubilee Food & Wine presented by Ballito Junction including cooking competitions, fashion shows and entertainment
• Daily on-stage entertainment
• Ballito Downwind surfski contest
• Monster Activations including Monster Skate Demos, Monster Expression Session presented by Zigzag, Le Riche Bro’s Trials’ Bike shows
• Retail stalls
• Beach recreational activities at the Coke-a-Cola Football Arena
• Children’s games at the Coke-a-Cola Football Arena