Thousands of music fans gathered at Berea Rovers this past weekend as the inaugural Smirnoff Real Makoya Imbizo made its debut, delivering a vibrant celebration of South African culture, heritage and music.

Drawing more than 4,000 attendees, the event was designed to be more than just a festival. It was a meeting point for different generations, musical styles and communities, all connected through a shared appreciation for South African identity.

Where Tradition Met Modern Sound

At the heart of the Real Makoya Imbizo was a celebration of Maskandi music, a genre that continues to grow beyond its traditional roots while influencing the broader music landscape.

Festivalgoers were treated to one of the event’s biggest highlights when Maskandi heavyweights Khuzani Mpungose and Mthandeni Manqele performed on the same stage, drawing enthusiastic support from fans throughout the day.

Their performances showcased just how influential Maskandi has become, not only in KwaZulu-Natal but across South Africa.

A Line-Up That Reflected South Africa’s Diversity

While Maskandi was the foundation, the festival embraced a wider spectrum of local sounds.

Artists including Big Zulu, Ntencane, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Goldmax, Benny Maverick, DJ Cndo and DJ Wobbly kept the energy high with a mix of Gqom, Amapiano, House and AfroSoul performances.

The result was a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that reflected the country’s ever-evolving music culture.

More Than A Festival Experience

Beyond the music, attendees explored immersive brand activations, food experiences, merchandise offerings and social spaces designed to encourage connection and community engagement.

The atmosphere throughout the day reinforced the event’s focus on bringing people together while celebrating the cultural movements that continue to shape modern South Africa.

The Scene Feed Take

The success of the first Real Makoya Imbizo proves there is still strong demand for experiences that place culture at the centre of entertainment. By giving Maskandi a major platform while embracing other genres that define South African youth culture, the event managed to feel both deeply rooted and refreshingly current.

If this first edition is anything to go by, Real Makoya Imbizo could quickly become one of the country’s most important cultural events on the annual calendar.