National and Local artists to perform at Richards Bay Port Festival

TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) is lining up an exciting list of national and local artists for the Richards Bay Port Festival, taking place at Naval Island on 8 and 9 December 2018 under the theme ‘Connecting Ports & People’.

Held last in 2015, the return of the Richards Bay Port Festival is set to kick-off the festive season in style.

The two-day festival will offer local communities a rare chance to see the inner-workings of the Port of Richards Bay through a range of fun, educational landside and waterside activities that showcase some of the incredible technology, machinery and maritime experiences offered by the port.

An important underlying purpose is to create understanding of the role the port plays in the economy and to expose communities to career and business opportunities linked to the port.

ALSO READ: Jam-packed action at this weekend’s Richards Bay Port Festival

The event promises a wide range of family-friendly port experiences, with the main stage entertainment being a big highlight. What’s more, festival-goers will get to enjoy all the live performances for free.

On Saturday, 8 December hit-making record producer and DJ, DJ Sox takes centre stage, along with R&B and pop singer Kyle Deutsch, while Afro-pop sensation Mlindo The Vocalist performs alongside hip-hop giant, AKA on Sunday.

They are among a sensational line-up of local and national artists, who will perform throughout the weekend.

Sensational line-up

Born and bred in KZN, Kyle Deutsch is a former Idols SA contestant in season 11. Although he did not win the competition, he’s became a huge star and brand across the country. Kyle is not only famous for his chart-topping hits such as ‘Back to the Beach’ with fellow Idols contestant, Shekinah, but he is also a well-respected chiropractor and professional football player.

In 2016, Kyle walked away with the MTV Africa Music Award for the Best Pop Artist. Since then, he has been releasing massive summer hits with renowned producers and artists such as Kelly Khumalo, Mnqobi Yazo and DJ Chynaman.

Durban-born, Dladla Mshunqisi, has been one of the most distinct voices in the GQOM music genre since releasing his massive hit ‘Memeza’ with Benny Maverick in 2017. He has since released his debut album ‘Umshunqo’ with 13 summer anthems guaranteed to keep South Africans moving. Dladla is also the voice behind the 2017 Song of the Year by the Distruction Boyz titled ‘Omunye’.

DJ Sox became well-known for his first hit single ‘Woz’e Durban’ with his business partner, DJ Tira. Together, they formed the duo ‘Durban’s Finest’ in 2001 and their collaboration helped shape the music and entertainment industry of Durban. DJ Sox is popularly known for his smash hits ‘Uyoyisholo Wena’, ‘Umsindo’, and the newly released ‘Phakamani’ by DJ Sonic.

Port Shepstone-born Mlindo The Vocalist will perform as the festival’s headline artist on Sunday, 9 December. Fans can expect to hear hits such as ‘Macala’ and ‘Ama Blesser’ from the singer’s debut album entitled ‘Emakhaya’.

One of SA’s biggest hip-hip stars, AKA, is set to close off the show on Sunday, 9 December. The rapper, record producer, songwriter and businessman has been leading the pack since releasing his debut album ‘Alter Ego’ in 2011. He has won various international music industry awards and recently collaborated with some of the most notable producers and artists in Africa. Fans can expect to hear some old favourites such as ‘All Eyes on Me’, as well as new songs from the rapper’s latest album entitled ‘Touch my Blood’.

Other activities
There is something for everyone at the festival.

Activities include a careers exhibition, kiddies’ entertainment area, tours of the SA Agulhas, Ilembe (dredger) still to be confirmed, tug boats and other TNPA marine craft, jet-ski and NSRI sea rescue demonstrations plus food stalls and vendors.

There is no entry fee to attend the festival. Most of the festival activities are free, with a few requiring a nominal ticket purchase directly from vendors. Food and beverages will be on sale in different areas throughout the festival.

The festival area will be a pedestrian only zone and shuttles will be available from the designated parking areas.
Gates open at 10am to 8pm on Saturday, 8 December and 10am – 5pm on Sunday, 9 December.

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