The Sunday Mail
- Andrew Moyo
THIS coming weekend, merrymakers and adventurers from around the world will descend on the resort town of Victoria Falls for the biggest New Year’s extravaganza on the continent.
The iconic Vic Falls Carnival, which takes off on December 29 running into the first few hours of 2020 always gives the local tourism industry a big boost, attracting thousands of patrons.
This year’s edition boasts of a strong line-up with the likes of AKA, Shekhinah, DJ Maphorisa, Prince Kaybee, ZAFARI, Sereetsi and The Natives, Jah Signal, Tamy Moyo, Djembe Monks and Raydizz, among many others set to perform.
While electronic music has been dominant over the years, organisers ensured that everyone is catered for this time around, with genres that include hip hop, dancehall, R’n’B, Afro-pop, house and EDM well represented.
The international headliners are seasoned performers who need no introduction to the big stage, not to mention that they eat at the top of the continent’s music food chain.
DJ Maphorisa
With the current Amapiano craze, DJ Maphorisa is one of the biggest drawcards this year considering the number of bangers he has been a part of.
The serial hitmaker is well known for his energy behind the decks. He always makes sure the dancefloor is occupied during his sets.
Prince Kaybee, who is coming back to the festival for the third year in a row, has had a successful year, putting out two brilliant projects including “Crossover Music”, an EP he released in September.
Prince Kaybee
He also proved that he is among the best in the game when he won the House Record of the Year award at the South African Dance Music Awards, which were held in October.
Hip-hop fans who are attending the carnival must be getting hyped up right now considering that AKA, who is as big as it gets on the South African rap game, will also be part of the action.
Supa Mega, as the rapper is also known, is a seasoned performer with a long list of popular smash hits. He is certainly one of the artistes to look out for.
Local talent in the form of Jah Signal, Tamy Moyo, Djembe Monks and DJ Raydizz are also set to lift the country’s flag high if their exceptional live performances are anything to go by.
Jah Signal
“Disappoint” is a word that cannot be mentioned in the same sentence with this particular jamboree as it always delivers.
The Train and Bush party, which has been a staple at the event for the past few years, kicks off the festivities on Sunday, with organisers highlighting that it will be even bigger this year.
On the second day, the Electric Safari Concert will be the main event while a host of local community parties at various venues in the town will amplify the merry mood.
The festivities reach their climax on December 31, when carnival goers converge for the ultimate New Year countdown dubbed the “Unity New Year’s Concert”. At that concert, fire breathers, traditional dancers, and fireworks will complement the artistes that will perform live on stage.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Mail Society, festival director Craig Bright said Victoria Falls is already gearing up for one of its busiest and most exciting events on the calendar.
“Festival goers can expect nothing but incredible music, adventure and an unforgettable New Year’s experience,” said Bright.
“This year we have a solid line-up as we have some of Africa’s biggest acts who have multiple award winning hits up their sleeves.”
“Every year, we look to up the ante and deliver a unique festival experience. This year will be no different as everyone will be taken on an epic adventure during the three days of the event.”
He added that they are expecting large numbers, highlighting that ticket sales are moving fast as anticipated.
“We have sold an array of travel packages for different festival goers and we are on track to welcome a large footprint of attendees this year.
“We get a considerable number of walk-ins on each day of the event, but we are confident that, as usual, the train party will sell out soon.”
For the first time, the Vic Falls Carnival is in partnership with MTV Base, which is one of the biggest music video channels in the world.
Tickets for the event are going for US$90 for the three-day pass, US$65 for a two-day pass and US$50 for a one-day pass.
Those who wish to celebrate the New Year in the VIP section will have to fork out US$165 for a three-day pass while a day pass is being sold for US$130.
