Staff ReporterOver the weekend, Africa’s much-anticipated music festival, Hey Neighbour, finally graced music enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience. The festival boasted a diverse lineup that catered to music lovers of all tastes, featuring top acts such as Tyla, Musa Keys, Swedish House Mafia, H.E.R, and Kendrick Lamar.
Spanning a massive area, Hey Neighbour provided festival-goers with the space they needed to truly enjoy the performances, avoiding the chaos that marred the DStv Delicious Festival in 2022 during Burna Boy’s headline act. Attendees were able to find their own comfortable spot and relish the concert in peace, offering even shorter individuals an unobstructed view of the stage.
The second day of the festival was headlined by Kendrick Lamar, who delivered an electrifying performance, captivating the crowd with his effortless yet commanding stage presence. Many attendees likened the Hey Neighbour experience to what they imagined Coachella to be – complete with dusty grounds, camping, and stylish festival outfits.
Hey Neighbour stood out by fostering an interactive atmosphere that transformed strangers into neighbors through various engaging activities.
While the festival’s expansive grounds provided ample space for everyone, the large crowds still meant long lines at various points, from food and bar stalls to top-up stations and toilets. The scenes of queues resembled those seen during elections, prompting some humorous observations about voter turnout.
Despite meticulous planning, Hey Neighbour faced its share of hiccups, particularly in the VIP area. Some ticket holders questioned whether the upgraded experience justified the extra expense. Additionally, the festival’s exit posed a challenge, with traffic jams causing headaches for those who drove to the venue, including an unexpected toll booth encounter.
However, organizers introduced a brilliant solution in the form of Park and Ride buses, which proved to be a game-changer for festival-goers trying to get home without the hassle of Uber or Bolt price surges. E-hailing services are notorious for inflating prices during high-demand periods, deterring drivers from taking certain trips. The Park and Ride service allowed attendees to travel from designated pick-up points to the festival and back, offering relief from transportation headaches.
For a first-time event, Hey Neighbour’s organizers managed to deliver a remarkable festival experience, setting a high standard for future editions. The lessons learned from this year’s festival will undoubtedly serve as valuable insights for its return in the future. Hey Neighbour has firmly established itself as a must-attend event on Africa’s festival calendar, promising great music, fun activities, and a sense of community for years to come.
