Day one of the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival kicked off on Saturday without any glitches. The sun was out and festival goers came dressed in their colourful spring garb.
This weekend’s festivities mark 10 years of global culinary flavours and sounds and steering the ship as MCs were actor and TV presenter Lawrence Maleka and Big Brother Titans season one winner Khosi Thwala.
While the festival trended for all the wrong reasons last year, and received backlash on social media with many attendees airing their grievances about their experiences, citing the long queues for toilets and food stalls and parking as nightmares, this year things were better.
There was increased security and things were a lot calmer and better organised. There were multiple toilets stationed in various locations. The festival organiser really listened to the criticism and went back to the drawing board to deliver what seemed like a seamless first day.
There was more bar frontage and more food vendors, the festival did away with the prepaid cashless system and all vendors accepted bank cards.
I particularly enjoyed the ginger beer and vegan burgers stall. Festival goers were spoilt for choice with a variety of food and drinks on offer.
After arriving we got settled on the lawn. Arrested Development was on the main stage and the audience was singing along to what was a trip down memory lane for those who love the American hip-hop group.
Grammy-award and Emmy-winning American pianist Robert Glasper was sporting a T-shirt “King” in bold letters. He was accompanied on drums by Justin Tyson and Jaheem on bass.
Morda set the stage on fire. Known and loved for his signature dance moves, he came and delivered. He understood the mandate and left the stage with people wanting more.
As the sun was setting, we were bracing ourselves for the performances coming from the headliners.
When Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems graced the stage wearing a red ensemble and red veil, the background on stage gave off a red and orange hue that set the mood for her one-hour set.
The singer addressed the pregnancy rumours on stage saying they were crazy and associating them her popular song Crazy Tings. The singer also became emotional towards the end when the crowd sang along to her song Free Mind.
DJ Kent set the stage on fire with his electrifying performances, reminding the audience why he is the OG by playing house classics. Festival goers crammed close to the stage and danced the night away.
On the main stage artists like Oscar Mbo, Lamiez, Ringo Madlingozi, Karyendasoul also performed.
Closing off the night was headliner Grammy award-winning Zakes Bantwini who donned an outfit that concealed his face.