Just two days before the most anticipated music show 'One Source Live' comes to town. Led by award winning rap-star Khuli Chana alongside Sho Madjozi, Trevor Stuurman, Fabrice Monteiro and Osborne Macharia - the African festival will be hosted this Saturday at ONE Eloff.
The collaboration between Absolut and and Chana has over the years attracted multitudes from across Africa in celebration of the new breed of artists, musicians, and fashion designers who are changing how the world sees and thinks about Africa and its people.
The motswakoriginator says the OSL stages present a perfect platform for him to fulfill his long-standing dream of displaying Africa to the world in the most majestic and powerful way possible.
“This project defines what being a creative revolutionary means to me - the courage to unite in the face of all physical, cultural, and political boundaries and differences as Mama Africa’s offspring and make her shine, to make her proud, to make her smile.
This is a very important part of the African Renaissance. Africa’s creative awakening is ushering in a new era in World Entertainment and in the Global Arts Sector at large. As we unite, grow, and progress creatively, we influence the world and share the greatest and most effective inspiration the world has ever experienced. I'm proud to be an African leader in my own right and to be championing the advancement of African brilliance in our lifetime.”
For all those attending this experimental event, here’s is what you need to know from A to Z.
A
is for Absolut: There are a number of Absolut Bars at OSL; come to the Absolut Art Bar for fabulous cocktails and help make a collaborative piece of street art; visit the Absolut Vodka Village for your favourite tipple or take a break at the Absolut Lime Lounge.
B
is for Bongo Maffin: The festival will see the legendary kwaito group take to the stage in what will be a historic reunion after 12 years.
C
is for Creative Revolution: OSL is not just another festival, it’s a movement and an opportunity for Africans to be part of a multi-level festival that leaves audiences with unforgettable interactive experiences across all different categories with musical highlights such as Patoranking. It’s an event that Africa hasn’t seen before.
D
is for DJs : A league of star DJs churning out electrifying grooves including gqom music pioneer DJ Maphorisa.
E
is for Eclectic: There’s something for everyone at this African celebration.
F
is for Food, glorious Food: On the rooftop at 1 Eloff Precinct, there will be the Food Truck Collective with cuisine from South Africa and across the continent.
G
is for Getting In: Tickets are available at One Source Live. One Eloff can be found in central Johannesburg. Be responsible if you are drinking and take an Uber or other taxi service! Parking will be available in the precinct.
H
is for Hashtag: #OneSourceLIVE.
I
is for In the Mix: Mixing it up at OSL and showcasing their art are South African stylist and multimedia visual artist Trevor Stuurman, Beninese artist Fabrice Monteiro and renowned Kenyan photographer Osborne Macharia.
J
is for Jozi: It’s Africa’s music and cultural powerhouse and the perfect city for OSL.
K
is for Khuli Chana: This award-winning rap star will host the main stage at OSL.
L
is for Live: This is how to listen to music!
M
is for Market of Art: The day time excitement will include this specially built in market showcasing African creativity and products which will be available for purchase.
N
is for Noon til Night: This multi-level festival is jam packed with all day and all-night entertainment. Doors open at 1pm.
O
is for Out-of-Town: The festival is hoping to attract audiences from other parts of South Africa as well as other countries in Africa.
P
is for Programme: With a full day and night programme, OSL takes place in multiple spaces at 1 Eloff Precinct in downtown Jo’burg.
Q
is for Question: So much music, so much to buy and so much to do - so who are you going to see?
R
is for Rainforest Stage: The line-up includes MC Sho Madjozi, Youngsta, J Molley, Thando Nje, Una Ramz, Marley Bloo, Muzi and incredible mix-masters, DJ Rico, Gemini Major and DJ Jawz.
S
is for (The) Source: This is the name of the main stage and you can find a veritable feast of musical talent such as Bongo Maffin, Nigerian reggae-dancehall star Patoranking and gqom music pioneer DJ Maphorisa.
There will also be a collaboration to create new tracks on stage with three sets of producers, rappers and vocalists each teaming up to create a new track live in front of the audience - spearheaded by Sho Madjozi.
T
is for Tickets: At R290 each, they are selling fast on One Source Live for this not-to-be-missed concert with a difference.
U
is for the Universal Language of Music: With more than 20 musicians and creatives, OSL is a must attend festival.
V
is for Vodka: OSL is made possible thanks to Absolut, the world’s finest vodka, who is investing in African creativity.
W
is for Website: For the full line-up and all information go to OneSourceLive.
X
is for Xtra: Read all about the artists and the day and night line-up on the festival website.
Y
is for You the audience: One of the most important pieces of the equation.
Z
is for ZZZZ: For all the shut-eye you’re going to need after this exciting day out.