Cape Town recently welcomed the debut of the Friends of Amstel festival, held at the picturesque Laurent wine estate in Somerset West.
The event, positioned on the city’s outskirts, offered attendees a surreal escape characterised by vibrant displays and exhilarating musical performances.
Friends of Amstel Festival: Here’s what went down in Cape Town
Set against the expansive backdrops of the Laurent wine estate, the Friends of Amstel festival transformed this tranquil location into a bustling hub of activity.
The event’s design prominently featured the beer brand’s signature colours—red, white, and green—creating a visually striking environment that echoed the brand’s energetic image.
RelatedPosts
The festival was an invite-only affair, enhancing its allure with the exclusivity that often accompanies such events. Crowds filled the venue to capacity, drawn by the promise of a unique and memorable experience.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with beer vouchers, a gesture that tied back to Amstel’s theme of transporting its fans to an “alternative reality.”
This theme was further embodied by the festival’s futuristic stage setup, which included multi-deck platforms, reflective screens, and dynamic pyrotechnics that amplified the night’s performances.
Artists such as Cassper Nyovest, Uncle Waffles, and Focalistic took to the stage, each adding their flair to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Metro FM DJ and event promoter Kyeezi, who attended the festival both to enjoy the music and to gather insights for his own projects, praised the execution and organisation of the event.
“Friends of Amstel has been around for years and these guys have built their concept, so not we (Cape Town) need to build our concept. Coming on a stage like this also cosigns to me that. I can see it being done in my city, meaning that all the stuff that people say, that Cape Town doesn’t show up, Cape Town doesn’t have money, Cape Town people are slow, it’s all bulls**t, because then Cape Town wouldn’t be out here.
“We are over like 60 km away from the city, in the middle of a farm having a good time, so the real question is: ‘what are we as party curators as DJs as entertainers, what are we doing right and wrong to attract and cater for our market?’” he said.
His positive feedback highlighted the seamless integration of creative elements that made the Friends of Amstel stand out.
A standout moment of the evening was the performance by Cassper Nyovest, who shifted the musical tone from Amapiano to Hip-Hop.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut album Tsholofelo, Nyovest energised the crowd with classic hits, underlining his enduring appeal in the South African music scene.
The successful Friends of Amstel debut suggests a promising future for the event’s return, potentially making it a staple in Cape Town’s entertainment calendar.
