Maxwell, Tems and Zakes Bantwini to headline 2023 DStv Delicious Fest

Powered by LottoStar, this year’s edition will mark a decade of celebrating cosmopolitan fusion of sounds and cuisine, with the good vibes flowing all Heritage Day weekend. Other confirmed artists include US funk-soul outfit Shalamar and award-winning local gospel choir Joyous Celebration.

“As the driving force behind the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, we are proud to ignite the stage with an unforgettable festival that celebrates a decade of ‘delicious’ in magnificent style,” Multichoice South Africa CEO Marc Jury said. “We look forward to enjoying this remarkable Grammy line-up as part of our commitment to delivering memorable experiences for our valued customers.”

The festival will kick-off with performances by sensational local DJs Oscar Mbo, Murdah Bongz and Kent, as well as Afro-soul legend Ringo Madlingozi and DJ Lamiez Holworthy, who is expected to bring some old-school sass to the Main Stage on Saturday. US hip hop group Arrested Development will follow them in the afternoon, while American jazz pianist Robert Glasper will set the scene for mellow sundowners with his hip hop-inflected compositions.

Tems, who is no doubt a festival highlight, will entertain fans at night. Her collaboration with Drake on ‘Wait for U’ made her the first African artist to debut at No 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning the pair a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Recently, she earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for ‘Lift Me Up’, a song she co-wrote with Rihanna for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Closing out Saturday’s electrifying music lineup is multi-talented local singer-songwriter and DJ Zakes Bantwini. Known as the “King of Dance” for his upbeat style, Zakes Bantwini will get the party moving and turn Kyalami into one giant dancefloor.

Sunday’s Main Stage line-up features Joyous Celebration, which is heading towards its 30th year of unifying South Africans and giving praise through music. A DJ set by Greg The Musical Maestro and Oskido will keep patrons moving throughout the day before British acid jazz band Incognito, who performed at the 2014 DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival. Sunday performances will continue with Shalamar, which is regarded as one of the best funk, soul and disco groups of its generation, with Maxwell, who boasts five studio albums, wrapping up the weekend festivities with a dose of R&B.

Scorpion Kings and DJ Zinhle will grace the Drip Dance Stage on Saturday night and Sunday night, respectively.

“For this year’s festival landmark of a decade, several measures have been put in place to ensure festivalgoers enjoy the experience in a safe, fun and pleasant environment,” the organisers said. “Patrons will find it easier to buy food and drinks with more vendors on site, parking and ride-hailing facilities will make arriving and departing more convenient, and all vendors will now accept bank cards – all making for a gloriously enjoyable feast of globe-trotting culinary flavours, sounds and sensations.”

Tickets to the event can be purchased here.