After being postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Standard Bank Music Festival finally took place at the Unam Stadium, roping in 32 local acts, 14 DJs and South African amapiano artist Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, professionally known as Makhadzi.

The three-day event also raked in a spectacular crowd, with the organisers saying the Friday turnout was more than
expected.

“We didnt expect such a crowd on Friday; it was an amazing sight. I am also happy that all the artists booked perfomed, and did a wonderful job,” said Ilke Platt, the event promoter.

Makhadzi said on a live Facebook session after performing on Friday that the love she received from Namibia was overwhelming.

“Thank you Namibia. The organisers told me that Burna Boy is also performing in the country, and I was not intimidated. I managed to pull the crowd,” she boasted with pride.

Her act, which was the last one at midnight, managed to have some people drop tears of joy. Dressed in a fiery red number, her energy was all over the place and rubbing off on the crowd. 

Her unmatched electrifying performance enabled her to climb the stage truss, getting a better view of the crowd from above. King Tee Dee said: “This was initially a one-day event and now has become three days, with a lineup of 32 artists.”

The kwaito artist performed his hit song Take Out Your Gun, and to the surprise of those in attendance, fellow musician Gazza emerged and joined him on stage.

The festival, which started at 18:00, ended at 00:45, 15 minutes earlier than expected, as the law- enforcement officers instructed so.