In celebration of Africa Day, local and international artists are gathering in Johannesburg to perform at the Bassline Fest.
The fest is set to be a day of music and celebration of humanity, resilience and overall incredible creativity and talent that the African continent births.
Simmy not only headlines alongside Sjava but also DBN GOGO, Chadian-Canadian Afro-futuristic act Afrotronix, Cape Verdean-Portuguese techno-punk act Scúru Fitchádu, dance hall act Fayazer from Reunion Island and German band The Planetoids featuring South African-Zambian artist Namakau Star.
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Bassline Fest’s Brad Homes said, “Expect a variety of music and fun festival experience for all: From Amapiano to Indie Rock, Techno Punk, House, Afro Pop and Maskandi-driven R&B. It’s going to be, where you and your family, want to be! A selection of top stalls for food, fashion, arts and crafts will be there, in addition to bars to keep you refreshed.”
While speaking to Bona, Simmy said, “As an African, I think it means so much. There is so much that we have to offer and to show to the world, and I think just being a part of that or being one of the people that reside or are from the continent really is big to me.”
The Metro FM Awards nominee for Best Female Artist continued, “I think Africa Day is really just a celebration of… our cultures, who we are and how far we have come as Africans as well and what we have to offer to the world.
Simmy also stated that as a creative, the day is more special because she gets to express herself as an African artist.
When asked if she felt nervous about performing for the first time at the fest, Simmy told Bona, “You can never really get used to [performing].” She mentioned that she has “good nerves” and feels it comes from the excitement and joy of performing on the Bassline Fest stage.
“My fans are gonna be there. So, it’s always just for me to kind of make them happy and also to be happy at the same time.”
Bona also spoke to award-winning artist and Metro FM Awards nominee Sjava. He said, “As much as we make music, we also still get excited…”
The artist noted that he is also excited to see Simmy.
“It doesn’t mean that because I make music, I am not a fan of anyone. So, it really feels good to be able to be in the same space as DBN GOGO, you know? So, I am really excited about it.”
Sjava tells Bona that festival-goers can expect him to perform songs from his latest album Isibuko, which takes listeners on a journey of raw emotions. While Simmy says people can expect to dance, have loads of fun and, of course, expect her to perform their favourites from her previous albums.
“[I will] share the Tugela Fairy as best as I can with my fans.”
Bassline Fest starts at 15h00 and ends at 23h00 on 20 May 2023 at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg.
Tickets are available from R350 at HOWLER and Computicket.
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