Pretoria, South Africa— A historic moment unfolded in a 3-day music extravaganza as over 60,000 music enthusiasts thronged to witness the inaugural Hey Neighbour music festival in Pretoria, South Africa. The festival featured an eclectic mix of performances, including U.S. Rapper Kendrick Lamar, Grammy-winning artists H.E.R and Zakes Bantwini, Grammy nominee Khalid, South African Amapiano sensations Musa Keys and Tyla, renowned artist Sho Majozi, and a host of other talented musicians. This stellar lineup was brought to life by a collaborative effort from three esteemed companies—Khoi Kreative, Glen21, and Lucky No.8 Concepts”—as part of Heineken’s 150-year celebration, adding to the brewer’s rich legacy.
Hey Neighbour is poised to ascend to the echelons of renowned international festivals such as Coachella, as expressed by Theo Zulu, the brand manager at Heineken. He emphasized that the festival’s core values and strategic vision closely resonate with Heineken’s mission of fostering connections, transcending social barriers, and uniting people beyond any constraints that may hinder human connection.
The festival was a vibrant hive of activity, featuring over 50 vendors, a multitude of food stalls, bars, and various social engagements. According to Zulu, these elements not only enhanced the festival’s allure but also contributed to youth employment—an impact that reverberated beyond the musical revelry. In the lead-up to the event, Heineken conducted competitions across several African countries, offering winners an exclusive opportunity to partake in the festival, thereby infusing a dynamic and diverse energy into the gathering.
Valdemiro Jose, an influential figure from Mozambique, exuded enthusiasm about his participation in Hey Neighbour, exclaiming his eagerness to immerse himself in different cultures and proudly display his country’s flag as a testament to his cultural identity. He emphasized the significance of creating and sharing content that enriches African society, underlining the importance of projecting a clear cultural identity to the world.
Recalling his cherished moments at the festival, Jose expressed his marvel at the rich diversity that permeated the event. He marveled at the collective jubilation during the commemoration of Heineken’s 150th anniversary, embodying a vibrant tapestry of individuals from across the continent congregating at a festival underwritten by a renowned beer brand.
The effervescent Jose also shared his hopes of seeing more illustrious artists grace the next iteration of Hey Neighbour, singling out stars like Burna Boy and Diamond as potential headliners.
This seminal event marks a pivotal milestone that transcends borders, standing as a testament to the power of music, culture, and celebration in fostering unity and diversity across the African continent and beyond.
