FRIENDS OF AMSTEL 2024 FINALE LIGHTS UP JOBURG

Johannesburg, South Africa, 9 November 2024 — The 2024 Friends of Amstel season reached its thrilling climax this past weekend at Ground, The Venue in Johannesburg, as the much-anticipated Friends of Amstel SA festival closed out the year with a spectacular celebration of music, friendship, and, of course, premium beer. The event, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and vibrant energy, brought together music lovers from across the country to experience the final stop of a series that has become one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural highlights.

The Grand Finale, held on November 9, brought thousands of festival-goers to the iconic venue in Johannesburg for an unforgettable day and night of music and sociability. Fans were treated to an impressive lineup of South Africa’s hottest artists, from chart-topping Amapiano and hip-hop acts to emerging local talent, creating a dynamic fusion of sounds that showcased the diversity and innovation of the South African music scene.

A STAR-STUDDED LINEUP ON TWO SPECTACULAR STAGES

MAIN STAGE

The Main Stage was the heartbeat of the event, a high-energy zone that kept the crowd moving and grooving from the very first beat. Each artist who took to the stage came with their flavour, and together they created a dynamic, explosive lineup that hooked the crowd.

Fans were in for a treat with Kelvin Momo’s g set, full of his signature blend of deep house and private school Amapiano. Kitchen Mess brought infectious grooves, and then Morda took things to the next level with his hard-hitting performance. Zee Nxumalo made her debut on the Amstel stage, reminding everyone why she’s one of Mzansi’s favourite rising stars.

Then there was A-Reece, the prince of SA hip-hop, spitting bars that had fans rapping along, word for word. Toss lit up the stage with his boundless energy. The heavyweights kept coming, with the legendary K.O, Cassper Nyovest, and Sjava delivering performances that left fans in awe, blending hip-hop, Amapiano, and Afro-pop in a way only they could.

The festival wouldn’t have been complete without the kings of the scene: Scorpion Kings and Major League DJz. These two powerhouse acts brought their Amapiano magic, reminding everyone why they dominate the genre. Njelic, Kent, and Kitchen Mess kept the crowd on their feet.

It was a lineup that showcased the power of South African music, a genre-blending, boundary-breaking sound that’s as diverse as the people who make it. The Main Stage wasn’t just a platform for performances; it was a platform for South Africa’s musical greatness

AMSTEL RADLER STAGE

For the first time, Friends of Amstel introduced the Amstel Radler stage, a brand-new addition that brought a refreshing twist to the festival. The debut of this stage wasn’t just about new music; it was about a new vibe, a new energy. With Amstel Radler Amstel’s fresh, lemon-infused lager—flowing freely, fans enjoyed a drink that was tailor-made for the sunny South African summer.

@theyanosplug The Amstel Radler stage at #friendsofamstel was a vibe! Danko @Kmat 🔌🔌 #amstelradler #amstel #friendsofamstel2024 #birimarung #yanosplug #amapiano ♬ original sound – The Yanos Plug 🔌

The Amstel Radler stage featured a lineup just as fierce as the main stage, proving that even up-and-coming artists could bring the heat. Mkeyz kicked things off with his deep cuts, setting the mood for a night of dance and good vibes. Scotts Maphuma, with his unique Amapiano flavour, had the crowd locked in, while K Mat brought a set that was heavy on grooves and style.

The energy kept building with T-Man Express and Maglera Doe Boy, both of whom gave unforgettable performances. Shakes & Les held it down with beats that had the crowd bouncing, and Lee McKrazy took things to the next level, owning the stage with his infectious energy. Usimamane and Mellow & Sleazy closed out the Amstel Radler stage with a bang, delivering a set that was pure fire and left fans craving more.

@theyanosplug @Linda Mnisi and @TmanXpressTheeVocalist perform #Ebasini on #AmstelRadler stage at #FriendsOfAmstel 🍋🔥🔌🔌 #amapiano #yanos #yanosplug #theyanosplug ♬ original sound – The Yanos Plug 🔌

The Amstel Radler stage was more than just a new addition—it was a game-changer. It showcased some of the freshest talent in South African music and brought fans closer to the heart of Amapiano, hip-hop, and all the sounds that define the streets of Mzansi.

FRIENDS OF AMSTEL: THE CHALLENGE ENDS IN A BANG

Adding to the finale’s excitement, this weekend also marked the final episode of Friends of Amstel: The Challenge, the reality TV series that’s kept fans glued to their screens for the past 13 weeks. The show brought together South Africa’s top talent, testing friendships and creativity as artists went head-to-head for the ultimate prize—a 5-star travel experience to Friends of Amstel.

The Challenge took the Friends of Amstel experience beyond the festival and into millions of South African homes, showcasing the journeys, challenges, and dreams of local talent. Over the weeks, fans watched as artists bonded, clashed, and ultimately grew closer, creating friendships as deep as the music they shared. The finale episode was the perfect segue into the live event, blending reality TV with real-life performances and turning The Challenge from a show into a lifestyle.

A CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURE

For those who attended, Friends of Amstel 2024 wasn’t just a music festival; it was a celebration of South African culture, friendship, and the spirit of unity that makes Mzansi so unique. Every performance, every beat drop, and every toast raised with an ice-cold Amstel was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. In a country as diverse as South Africa, Friends of Amstel proved that music knows no boundaries.

Senior Brand Manager Alicia Reddy captured it best: “The 2024 Friends of Amstel season has exceeded our expectations, delivering an unparalleled fusion of quality music, quality friendship, and quality beer. We’re grateful for the incredible support and look forward to the year ahead.”

As the night unfolded, social media buzzed with festival highlights, fan reactions, and snapshots of unforgettable moments. Using hashtags like #FriendsOfAmstelSA and #AmstelRadler, attendees shared their experiences on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, connecting with fans across the nation who celebrated the grand finale from afar. The event’s social media presence created a space for fans to join the conversation, relive their favourite moments, and stay connected to the Friends of Amstel community.

For Amstel, social media has become an essential component of the Friends of Amstel experience, offering an avenue to engage with a broader audience and extend the excitement beyond the festival grounds. It also provided a glimpse into the memories made, the friendships celebrated, and the lasting impact of the Friends of Amstel 2024 season.

LOOKING AHEAD (FRIENDS OF AMSTEL GROWING LEGACY)

As the curtain falls on this year’s Friends of Amstel season, it’s clear that the event has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural landscape. Through exceptional entertainment, high-quality beer, and a focus on friendship, Amstel has created an experience that resonates with fans and builds lasting connections. Friends of Amstel isn’t just a music festival—it’s a movement, a celebration of unity, and a tribute to the power of shared experiences.

With each season, Friends of Amstel continues to grow, evolve, and capture the hearts of South Africans across the country. As fans eagerly await the next chapter, Amstel has set the stage for even greater experiences, and with the success of this year’s event, there’s no doubt that the journey is far from over.

For highlights and more information about Friends of Amstel, fans can visit the official website or follow Amstel on social media:

Website: www.amstel.co.za

Facebook: Amstel SA

Instagram: @amstelsa

Join the conversation: #FriendsOfAmstelSA #AmstelRadler

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