As preparations get underway for the 54th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill taking place at KwaDukuza’s Willard Beach from 27 June to 9 July, music lovers can get ready for another epic line-up of top South African musicians and DJs. This includes the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts coinciding with the final weekend on 6 and 7 July at Salt Rock Main Beach from 5pm to 10.30pm, with After Dark Parties planned throughout the event.
“We’re excited to be showcasing the best of our local musicians at the season’s hottest winter festival!” commented Rowan Clelland, Event Organiser for the Ballito Pro Music Concerts. “This promises to be another dynamic concert which gives visitors the chance to enjoy quality music in a fantastic seaside setting, completely free of charge!”
Thursday, 6 July will see renowned South African DJs and musos take to the stage, including Ballito’s own DJ Merlon who will be headlining the event. Most well-known for his breakthrough hit Koze Kuse in 2014, Merlon has since become one of the country’s best and most consistent producers, playing alongside Black Coffee in Ibiza and having released his new hit Two Zulu Men In Ibiza with Enoo Napa. DJ Merlon is living in and breathing new life into the Ballito entertainment scene.
Building up to his impressive act will be a number of stellar musicians, among them Dlala Thukzin, a versatile producer who has fused Afrotech, gqom and amapiano to create his signature sound, streamed millions of times across the globe. Joining the line-up is Oscar Mbo, star of the well-known podcast The Ashmed Hour who will bring his patented blend of deep tech, deep house, nu jazz and broken beat to the stage. Then there are also the legends of the local scene, DJ Sox and Chynaman, who have earned their massive fanbases with quality sets. The night’s opener will be the winner of the Battle of the DJs competition!
Friday, 7 July will see several popular artists returning to perform to the epic Ballito Pro crowd, starting with successful solo artist, Matthew Mole. This Capetonian musician had a breakout hit with Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine in 2013 and has continued to captivate crowds and grow his fanbase over the years.
Another Ballito Pro legend, Majozi, will keep the energy levels up while Freddy L is set to return after his memorable 2022 performance earned him a host of new supporters. Finally, Durban’s Southport Band have steadily amassed respect as one of the province’s most innovative and enjoyable alternative rock bands.
The Good Vibes programme, running from 1 to 9 July at Good Vibes Café and Bar, gives visitors to The Ballito Pro even more chance to enjoy more great dance music from leading DJs, including Kyle Cassim, Austin Cassim, Chunda Munki, DJ Royal Love, I am Rogue, Ryan Stylz, Claudio, Jayy Jabs, and more. Don’t miss Deep House Sunday, Monday Funday, The Swimsuit Show and other epic party nights!
KwaDukuza’s best record spinners will get their shot to play on the Main Stage when they compete in the Ballito Pro Battle of the DJs competition on Wednesday, 5 July at the KwaDukuza Town Hall. This free-to-enter competition gives local DJs the chance to perform their set for a group of judges and an audience. The winner will not only get prizes and invites to play at the best local clubs, but will take to the Main Stage on the first night of the Ballito Pro Music Concerts.
The Conchilla Tapas Lounge & Bar will set the scene for the After Dark programme and daily activities running for the duration of The Ballito Pro Festival from 1pm. This will also give upcoming deck spinners the chance to show their skill in the Battle of the DJs competition. There will be a taste of culture at La Montagne where live music will be performed on both nights of the Ballito Pro, as well as a fantastic series of music, comedy, and burlesque performances at La Montagne’s Pumpkin Theatre very close to Willard Beach.
2023 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival
This year’s festival programme will adopt the Konke KuLuhlaza – Everything is Blue theme throughout the action-packed and fun-filled lineup. Visitors to this year’s top surfing event can look forward to great festival activities and entertainment, including:
- Retail offerings
- Extreme sports programme
- Daily beach sports and recreational activities
- O’Neill Blue Capsule initiative and Women of the Wave activation
- Bra Golf Day fundraiser
- Para Surf Expression Session
- Environmental awareness programmes and events
- Coastal and Cultural Tourism Experience
Don’t miss any of the action at the 2023 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival and be part of the change. #konkekuluhlaza #everythingisblue
To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:
Website: www.theballitopro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro
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Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro
