Things are heating up ahead of the second Chilli Youth Festival Varsity Edition, set to take place in Gqeberha on March 28.
The organisers have promised an unforgettable night of music, culture and electrifying performances by some top acts at The Gallery on Produce in South End.
After a successful inaugural launch of the festival in 2024, which attracted scores of festival-goers, this year organisers are aiming for bigger and better.
Platinum-selling DJ Cairo CPT and DeeKoala are set to perform, along with a host of talented local artists.
The festival is organised by Africhili Entertainment founder Simamkele “Sleeze” Mahambehlala, 24, of Summerstrand.
Mahambehlala has hosted a number of events in Johannesburg since 2020 and decided to expand his brand to Gqeberha.
He said he was inspired to host an event suitable for a younger audience aged 19 to 35.
Africhili Entertainment had partnered with Madibaz Cheerleaders, Tontsi Water and Enteroot Entertainment to bring the event to life.
While the early bird tickets have already sold out, tickets are still available at R150 via Webtickets, Pick n Pay and Boxer stores.
There will also be tickets at the door for R200 on the day.
Mahambehlala said the festival served to empower local artists.
“I saw a gap in terms of events for the youth, there was not much for them here, unlike in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
“In Gqeberha, we hardly have events that infuse music and culture, so we are trying to bring a different vibe and an experience to the city.”
He said the theme this year was “Umswenko Drip”, which loosely translates to looking cool.
“Street culture is what we will be expecting to see. It is not about status, it’s all about having fun.
“Cairo is the headline act, but we have five local artists that will be performing on the night,” Mahambehlala said.
He said scouts had selected these artists — and if they could pull a crowd then they stood a chance of being considered to perform in the future.
The festival is divided into three editions, the upcoming Varsity edition, the Youth Day edition on June 14, and the final edition to be held in October.
Mahambehlala said he hoped to see the festival branch out of the province.
“This year it is at The Gallery, which is indoors, with a small market.
“Eventually, we want it to be outdoors, to fill stadiums, and to become a big corporation that employs other stakeholders and people.
“We would love to expand operations to East London and Cape Town for instance, and to be known as an established youth festival.
“We are trying to get the youth involved, and to show them that they can do something similar too.”
Despite aiming to expand the festival throughout the country, Gqeberha would remain its home.
The Herald
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