Happy Africa Month! Bassline Fest is set to celebrate Africa Day in style at Constitution Hill on May 25th.
The lineup includes the sensational Lira, Maleh from Lesotho, Moroccan artist Rita Kamale based in the UK, and Tanzania’s Kadilida and Jay Mitta. The newly added DanceAfrika stage will feature Reunion’s DJ Sebb, South Africa’s Tamara Dey, Shamiso, and Si-Noir, alongside the UK’s Samuel Miller, Australia’s FiNE, and more, ensuring non-stop dancing day and night! Tickets are available for R320 on Ticketmaster.
Brad Holmes, from Bassline, says, ‘We’re gearing up for a spectacular celebration on May 25th, marking Africa Day, 30 years of Democracy, and 30 years of Bassline. Lira will return to the stage with a full band, joined by a powerhouse of female talent and international DJs, celebrating 20 years in the music industry and her miraculous journey back to full singing performance.’
Lira shared her excitement, “I’m thrilled to perform at Bassline Fest Africa Day Celebration on May 25, 2024. This performance is extra special, as we celebrate not only 30 years of democracy in South Africa but also the new chapter in my career, alongside Bassline’s 30th Anniversary. I have so much to be grateful for and can’t wait to see you at Constitution Hill Square on Africa Day.”
DanceAfrika offers a platform for DJs and electronic performances in the SA Dance Space, aiming to create immersive dance music experiences. Partnering with Bassline Fest, DanceAfrika will provide festival-goers with a 360 immersive sound visual experience, featuring artists from across the globe.
Maleh, born in Lesotho and residing in South Africa, is part of the Bassline Fest lineup, bringing over 20 years of live music experience. Her recent album, ‘Lerato Laka,’ released in February 2022, blends African drum patterns and basslines with soulful melodies, earning her the Basadi in Women African Award.
From East Africa, Tanzanian MC Kadilida and her producer Jay Mitta are set to electrify the stage. Kadilida, a pioneering force in African electronic music, and Jay Mitta have become synonymous with the electrifying spirit of Singeli, embodying the raw essence of African rave culture.
Moroccan artist Rita Kamale, based between London and Casablanca, adds a unique touch to the lineup with her Alternative RnB/Rap sound. Describing herself as ‘somewhere in between a singer and a rapper,’ Rita Kamale’s music blends Neo-soul with Moroccan ancestral melodies and 808-heavy hip-hop beats.
Paige Holmes from Bassline says, ‘Happy Africa Day! Bassline Fest invites everyone to celebrate with music, dance, food, and fun. An African artisanal market will offer exquisitely crafted African food, arts, and crafts, along with bars and food stalls.’
Established in 1994, Bassline has been a beloved music brand in Gauteng, turning 30 years old this year. Originally a Jazz Club in Melville, Bassline has evolved into Bassline Live, Bassline Fest, and Bassline Artist Management, representing the cultural relevance of Jozi.
Bassline Fest acknowledges its partners, including the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, Castle Lite, BET Africa, TimesLive, Music In Africa, the French Institute of South Africa, ACCES, the Africa Rising Music Conference, and the IGODA network, for their support and collaboration.
Creative Director Paige Holmes emphasizes, ‘This year’s Africa Day Celebration honors women, celebrating their resilience, courage, and creativity that keep families and the continent going.’
For more information and tickets, visit Ticketmaster.
Main image: Ticketmaster
