Top Zakifo tip: Just have fun
IHAVE JUST realised that Durban is going to be hectic next week, what with the Zakifo Music Festival, the African Renaissance Conference and concert, and also the Playhouse’s Africa Month celebration. The 23rd edition of the SA Music Awards will also be screened on SABC 1.
I can’t decide where to go and I’m just hoping I don’t end up in front of the TV, live-tweeting the awards. Not when there’s so much happening in the city.
With the Tourism Indaba having come to an end on Thursday, there’s still a very jovial mood in the city, which is great. The mood in South Africa has been rather bleak, so seeing people excited about something is refreshing.
I’m excited that Zakifo is taking place when I’m actually in Durban. The first two happened when I was out of town and I suffered serious Fomo (fear of missing out).
I’m always looking for new music to listen to and music festivals are the ideal place to see artists you wouldn’t normally hear. The festival organisers have chosen a diverse range of performers and there should be something that appeals to everyone. And that’s why I love music festivals – they really take me out of my comfort zone. Here are a few tips if you are going to Zakifo: PACE YOURSELF You may want to dance to everyone’s music, but it’s a long weekend, with three days of performances. There’s so much music to enjoy. PLAN WHO YOU WANT TO SEE There’s nothing as irritating as missing the performance of an artist you really wanted to see. It’s happened to me so many times and I’ve never forgiven myself. So plan your day accordingly, check the schedule and make sure you don’t miss out. LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME It’s not really necessary to take your car to an event. Firstly, the struggle for parking is real and secondly, with services like Uber and Taxify, you can drink without worrying about driving home. DRINK AS MUCH WATER AS POSSIBLE Please keep hydrated. It’s healthier. And if you are planning to go on a drinking bender, make sure you drink a bit of water as well. It will save you from a hangover the next day. HAVE LOW EXPECTATIONS So we would all like our favourite artists to wow us on stage, but sometimes there are technical glitches or the performance just doesn’t live up to our expectations. Disappointment can ruin the whole experience for you. With low expectations, you will probably be impressed by everyone. DRESS THE PART While Zakifo is not Coachella, it doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself like you’re in the Californian desert. The better you look, the more fun you will have. Maybe this is your chance for some internet infamy. You know you want to trend on Instagram, right? ENJOY EVERY MOMENT What’s the point of paying a lot of money if you are going to be miserable? Have fun! WIN: 15 readers can win double tickets to the Zakifo Music Festival at Blue Lagoon from May 26 to 28. SMS tagword SMZAKIFO to 33258 (R1.50). Competition ends 9am, Wednesday. Terms and conditions apply. Winners will be informed telephonically.