The energy at Orlando Stadium was electrifying on the evening of 23 September as four epic music crews contended for the Red Bull Culture Clash South Africa 2017 crown. The show, which is a first for Africa, exceeded all expectations for fans and crews involved.
DJ Tira’s Durban Massacre Sound System battled it out against AKA’s Top Boyz Sound System, Admiral & Jahseed African Storm Sound System and Red Hot Sound System, led by Patoranking, each repping their respective genres – hip-hop, house, afro-beats and reggae.
Read: #ToDo Red Bull Culture Clash 2017
After four intense rounds, the crowd decided that DJ Tira and Durban Massacre Sound System deserved the coveted title. The crews fought to the very end and kept true to their original promise to their fans to bring ‘everything they had on the night’.
Surprise acts are a big part of the excitement of Red Bull Culture Clash, and fans never know what to expect.
International reggae star Beenie Man’s appearance, together with African Storm and Red Hot’s surprise guest Zola, got the crowd going. Top Boyz also had a few tricks up their sleeves when they brought out Jub Jub for a never-heard-before remix to the widely popular gospel hit, Bawo. However, the surprise appearance by Riky Rick and adding the strong throwback from kwaito legend Mdu Masilela to the mix helped seal the deal for Durban Massacre.
Hosts Siyabonga ‘Scoop Makhathini’ Ngwekazi and Thapelo Mokoena’s on-stage chemistry kept the energy high between rounds as each one brought with it even more entertainment for the fans.
“Winning this title means a lot to me because it shows people that Gqom and Durban house is here to stay and will dominate and shape future sounds,” said an overwhelmed DJ Tira. “That’s all we ever wanted to do – stay true to ourselves and where we come from. We gave people what they wanted and they responded to the genuine, heartfelt music we shared. That’s what it’s all about and we are proud to solidify our sound further. Thanks to the music lovers and supporters, it wouldn’t be possible without them.”