B stands for Bacardi and Birthday Party
Like Master Oogway says in Kung Fu Panda, âThere is no such thing as a coincidenceâ hence having my birthday fall on the exact same day as âThe Bacardi House ft Swizz Beatzâ  was simply meant to be. The Kool Out team was set to take over the Pool side from 3pm to 6pm. I could not wait till the 3rd of February as the promoters were Until Until who are known for throwing some of the hottest parties in Joburg and are famed for Genisis, Pyjama Party and the new edition Sunday Roast at Great Dane. These promoters often attract a young north crowd with a high LSM but lately they have slowly overlapped into the urban model C market. The line up was really impressive
We pilled into he H1 with tents, blankets and groove supplies that were guaranteed to make this one hell of a night. I canât say I was peeing in my pants to see Swizz Beats but the local line up was lit. I couldnât have asked for a better squad to spend my birthday with... I think this is the balance iâve always chased between work and play.
As a self proclaimed festival junkie, when it came to camping this was not my first rodeo. As soon as we got to the farm, we set up tent in the blazing sun and made sure that when the sky turned black we would have somewhere to call home. The boys had to rush to the poolside as the Kool Out takeover was set to happen in minutes. We got to the pool and set up what Akio likes to refer to as a ânestâ in front of the DJ booth.
The vibe was indescribable but iâll try. It felt like we had been transported into a parallel universe where black people were not only camping and partying woodstock 60â˛s style but they were also performing on stage and running the event. This was black excellence as pure as it stands. The Kool Out Djâs took the party to another level and as always i danced because I was the happiest girl alive. The concept of this festival was that each patron would pay R1499.00 for a ticket (I know steep right...!!) but this did include free drinks and food the whole night as well as some of the top performers in the country, top music crews and of course Mr. Alicia Keys himself. I was one of those people who shook their heads vehemently at the thought of dropping that kind of paper on groove but it was surprisingly worth it. The location was perfect and the vibe was priceless.
Being a promoter I know that the numbers were not what Until Until and Bacardi hoped for but I am also well aware of the fact that it takes time for something truly amazing to grow. The concept was amazing. I do think the ticket price should in future include accommodation/camping or they should drop the price by at least R300.
My favourite crew takeover was of course Kool Out and my favourite performance was by Frank Cassino. Iâll admit I have no clue where I was or what I was doing when Casper and Mafikizolo came on. Swizz Beats was a bit of a disappointment but to be honest I am not too sure what I expected since the guy is a producer. He performed a mixture of his own songs, then songs he produced then ultimately songs he had nothing to do with. His DJ set started off okay but was often interrupted by his need to inspire the African audience on how to be better and dream bigger. I really could not stop a few eye rolls here and there as i looked around at the audience that comprised of some of South Africaâs elitest demographic. Nevertheless he seemed to mean well and gave more than anyone bargained for  while putting up an entertaining show.
 The fact that this was all happening on my birthday suddenly became symbolic. I was at my ideal party, a festival but a clean one because black people donât play like that. With dope music and beautiful people. I was lit and surrounded by my closest of friends;Â
A huge thank you to the Until Until team for daring to do the seemingly impossible. A bear hug to Thulz for being our liaison and ensuring that our stay and partnership was smooth and worthwhile. A wet and sloppy kiss for Innocentia from the Bacardi team who keeps the Kool Out and Bacardi family together.
And last but not least, thank you to my girls!! Kamo for being my right hand woman with regards to organisation but for also being brave and stepping out of her comfort zone on multiple occasions... no one said being friends with me would be easy but I promise it will always be an adventure. My dear Kyla the best friend I met at a festival and since then you continue to be my festival buddy, my best friend, soul sister and trancedental explorer. I love you both for the support and love.
As i grow into another year I no longer search. I have learned that the things that were meant for me, will always flow to me. I will never need to force it or change myself to attain them. Such wisdom comes with age and experience. Â A huge Thank you to Akio and Kuttah for being my brothers in places that my older brother canât reach. Thank you for the journey and the lessons and for building me career wise. Dudu, Sunni and Ora you are all like a movie, a tight verse and sexy dance. It would not have been the same without you. The last year of my twenties never looked so good!
