The city tour took guests on a trip down memory lane as we celebrated and charted the growth of Bacardi and Amapiano
Leading up to the much-anticipated Boiler Room 10-year anniversary event, Ballantine’s True Music hosted a Pretoria city tour this past weekend. Guests were treated to an immersive experience as they travelled from Hawayu Lifestyle in Centurion to Braai Maestro in Pretoria West. Notable Bacardi and Amapiano hits spanning over two decades blasted through the speakers in the party bus as culture guide Boo-C, aka Queen of Pitori, educated the attendees about the history, key moments and the tight links between the two genres.
Attendees were served with flavourful local cuisine such as pap, chakalaka and braai meat paired perfectly with Ballantine’s-infused cocktails. Bacardi titan Mapentane set the place on fire as he spun some Bacardi and Amapiano records. The “Saka Saka” hitmaker even brought out internet sensation Matenase Wadi Yobisi, who entertained the audience with his slick moves.
Award-winning dancer and choreographer Hope Ramafalo also took the stage to demonstrate some viral dance moves currently trending on TikTok. The evening culminated in a takeover of Hawayu Lifestyle, where Private School Amapiano stalwart, Kelvin Momo captivated the audience with a soulful set featuring hits like “Maye Maye” and “Uhambe Wrongo.”
Reflecting on the event, Thirashan Naidoo, Ballantine’s Marketing Manager at Pernod Ricard says, “Our True Music event in Pretoria showcased the best of local talent and sounds, reaffirming our commitment to uplifting grassroot movements and amplifying them beyond just the music by putting a spotlight on the communities and environments they stem from.”
Over the past decade, Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music have continued championing local sounds and aiding in their international expansion. Much like in 2019, DJ Lag’s “Amanikiniki” had attendees in a trance-like frenzy and became a globe-trotting viral hit, the pulsating sound of Gqom will be making a triumphant return to the stage this year and the city tour will be the first stop.
The Durban leg of the tour takes place on 27 April with the purveyors of Gqom, Durban’s Finest—DJ Tira and Sox. Along with being the tour’s culture guides, the pioneering duo will set the dancefloor ablaze at Exit Shisayama and Carwash alongside DJ Merlon.
The Boiler Room 10th Anniversary takes place in Johannesburg on 11 May, and artists on the line-up include Amapiano royalty Scorpion Kings, “Mnike” hitmaker Tyler ICU and DBN Gogo. Sign up HERE for tickets.
More information on the True Music events can be found on the individual venue’s social media platforms and @ballantinesSA . #staytrue
