First-ever Emmarentia Live music fest a hit

Emmarentia Dam was transformed into an incredible one-day music and family festival as excited Joburgers of all ages came out in their thousands on 9 August to picnic, dance and enjoy the winter sunshine at the debut of Emmarentia Live.

Under a cloudless blue sky, the lawns quickly filled with picnic blankets, chairs, umbrellas and bean bags as fans claimed their spots for eight hours of non-stop music and festival fun.

The line-up of local musicians included Bad Peter, Gangs of Ballet, Freshlyground, Mango Groove, Mi Casa and Goodluck.

Hit after hit, the line-up had the crowds standing, jumping and singing along to favourites like Gangs of Ballet’s Always, Freshlyground’s Doo Be Doo, Mi Casa’s Jika, and Goodluck’s All The Colours and Mango Groove performed their new song Shone On to roars from the crowd.

Mi Casa trumpeter Mo-T joined Mango Groove on the stage to play a song in honour of his late father, Banza Kgasoane, one of the founding members of Mango Groove.

Freshlyground’s Zolani Mahola and Mango Groove’s Claire Johnston sang a song together as they encouraged South African women to celebrate who they are.

While older fans enjoyed the music, children had a blast at the dedicated children’s zone complete with jumping castles and an E-tv trailer showing children’s programmes.

A total of 19 gourmet food trucks made sure no one went hungry and the beer and wine garden was busy as fans took advantage of the benches and umbrellas.

This music festival will be back next year and organisers say it will be bigger and better.