An extraordinarily explosive experience is just one of the
few, less than justifying words one can guiltily use to describe the blast of
an entrance to 2019 it was for all who attended the – one of a kind – Smoking Dragon Festivals
2018. The EAV team packed a full-house of many first time attendees – who all
have a unique story to tell.
Giving many thanks to Ilsa Roberts and her team, our journey
was a real amazing success. From when we
arrived till we left. It all started with our founder – Dumisani Radebe - being
invited the Road to Smoking Dragon Weekend of the Folk & Griot Festival
(FAGF) in Utrecht where an incredible line-up of diverse international acts
came together to share what they had prepared for the Smoking Dragon Festival
2018. The way things turned out, it had
to be taken into account the magical proceedings that were. The line-up
featured the amazing Ariel Zamonsky, Juana Pires Rafael and Yogen who featured
Ralph Jabulani from Swaziland in their set, the amazing likes of Lerato Lichaba
(House of Kuumba), Dr. Equinox, Thabiso Thabethe, The Bongani GiveThanks
Ensemble, Albert Craftsman, Gershan Lombard and was ended off with a jam
session featuring everyone. The festival was sponsored by the Concert SA Music
Mobility Fund mechanism.
The very following day, all roads led to the North
Drakensburg side of Bergville, which is one of the most picturesque terrains
the country has to offer. An absolute gem to any eyes witnessing it. In the
middle of the Amphitheatre side of the mountains is where this annual cosmic
occurrence takes place. Thousands of campers from all over the world gather to
usher in the new-year together through mainly music, and other
out-of-this-world festivities. The EAV team had brought some of their artists
as acts, which all played upon arrival on except for Drain Brain Experience
(who were scheduled for Saturday night). The team also brought in action
painters the likes of Smanga Sibiya and Nceba Bhengu – who eventually collaborated
with legendary graffiti artist Lebohang “OVER” Ndlovu. More experience for the
team as this was Nceba’s first graffiti piece. Things kicked off on the Fringe
Stage with Zanendaba poetry – which features the Magic Poet, Zanzibar
(Mphefumlo) and Njabz. These guys slammed and left the stage in tethers before
Dollarman Masaka set it alight. While Dollarman was doing that, it coincided
with a Dr. Equinox performance at the Ripple Zone (where legendary Mystikal
Ebony deejayed the Lyrical Exhibition part before the Rock Hip Hop. A great
first day it turned to be on the festival.
As it were, the festivities continued as more and more
artists were set to do the same. The festival is one of the biggest scouts of
talent in the country and is turning out to be a great platform for artists to
develop and become great. We have seen this with many bands that come to
Smoking Dragon. With the festival growing every year, so do the goers. The
line-up for this year was super jam-packed. It saw many new-comers have the
time of their lives on stage. We have been blessed with the gift of music so
much this year (like all other years of course).
One thing that was really a great thing to see was the intergration
of Sowetan artists to the cards. Deep Soweto really played a big role to bring
everyone together and orchestrate a lovely festivity. Seeing many of the bands
we are familiar with and draw inspiration from was really one of the warmest
features of the festival. This allowed for a more personal exchange between and
among many artists who work within the same spaces. This was a great step
towards unifying artists and creating a brotherly atmosphere which is sure to
solidify attempts in collaboration. We are to make each other better.
As the EAV team was mostly there to work, it was quite
difficult to watch many of the performances. We had to document as much as we
could so we had to run around different stages without catching the whole
performance. However, this is what we can render as highlights. Lerato Lichaba
as always brings out an incredible surprise, in this case with a vocalist and
percussionist. This set makes your hairs stand right up. Msaki, B.O.L.D, Sun Xa
Experiment, Amo Malenda - also known as XhoShangane gave us a lesson in
indigenous language vocalizing. We were treated to many amazing spectacles such
as the Shameless Band, A Bantu Natives, Tribal Punq just to name a few. We all
got to share experience and spirit with the magnitude of the likes of the
Muffins, Betr Gang, Pussy Party, The JKL, Tidal Waves and many musical
geniuses.
All artists were well catered for, ensuring that everyone
performs an tip top condition throughout the festival. Although we did not get
to see any of the prior workshops, we are sure that that the festival is also
becoming an institution for the growth of all artists and stand to the belief
that each person who is fortunate enough to go or even participate in Smoking
Dragon is on their way up. These workshops were facilitated by the Smoking
Dragon Festival team together with associates and they are sure to give an artist
some insight into the music business and festival circuit.
A HUGE THANKS TO SMOKING DRAGON FESTIVALS (www.smokingdragon.org)
Written & Spun by: D.Quavers
Photos by: Dumisani Radebe
