Ultra South Africa, the pinnacle of electronic dance music festivals, bore witness to a storm of pulsating beats and electrifying performances at the Smirnoff Storm Room in Johannesburg. Last Saturday, music enthusiasts were treated to a mesmerizing showcase featuring some of South Africa’s finest Amapiano and Afro-Tech artists, igniting an atmosphere of euphoria and celebration. The Smirnoff Storm Room stage played host to an array of sensational talents, including Kabza de Small, Musa Keys, Thakzin, DBN Gogo, Kelvin Momo, Tyler ICU, Musa Keys, DJ Lelowhatsgood, Oscar Mbo, Sio, and the winner of the recent Smirnoff DJ Search, Star The DJ. Each artist brought their unique flair and style to the stage, captivating the audience with their infectious rhythms and irresistible melodies.

For Star The DJ, gracing the Smirnoff Storm Room stage marked a significant milestone in their career. Reflecting on the experience, Star The DJ expressed gratitude, stating, “This has been a great highlight of my career getting onto the Storm Room stage at Ultra South Africa. It has re-energized me, and I’m excited for the next part of my journey and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Beyond the captivating performances, the Smirnoff Storm Room offered festival-goers an immersive experience, featuring an interactive bar with a gaming zone, a chill space, and a 360-degree photobooth. Additionally, the Smirnoff Sky Box provided a breathtaking view overlooking the main stage of Ultra SA, solidifying its status as one of the must-visit destinations at the event.

Amapiano, South Africa’s hottest music export, had transcended local boundaries to become a global phenomenon. With over a billion streams in 2022 and a 101% increase in global popularity in 2023, according to Spotify, Amapiano had firmly established its presence on the international music scene. Domestically, Amapiano artists continued to dominate, with Kabza Da Small emerging as the most streamed artist in South Africa.

Nicole Smith, Smirnoff South Africa Marketing Manager, emphasized the brand’s commitment to championing Amapiano and Afro-Tech through the Smirnoff Storm Room. “The Smirnoff Storm Room had become a premier platform for Amapiano and Afro-Tech and had reflected the maverick diversity and inclusion that we stand for in our love of music,” said Smith. “We were excited for Smirnoff Storm to have played its role in bringing Amapiano and Afro-Tech to the fore on such a scale.”

As #UltraSA2024 proudly collaborated with #SmirnoffStorm, the fusion of electrifying performances, immersive experiences, and the vibrant sounds of Amapiano and Afro-Tech had elevated Ultra South Africa to new heights, solidifying its reputation as a global epicenter of electronic dance music culture.