Yo familia! We’re back again this time we’re speaking on our experience over at Cottonfest 2024. It was our first time going to a Cottonfest event and the our expectations should’ve been greater because it surpassed everything we imagined. Everything was klean from the fits, food, energy and locations for each part of the event, It felt as if everything was meticulously curated for a great, safe time.
Different energies
This part of the event is what made Cottonfest so special for us, the different energy at every different section of what was going on at The Station on Saturday. By curating an event that accommodates everyone each stage was made to accommodate almost everyone, whether it’s the bunker stage promoting up and coming underground hip hop artists and trappers, the cotton stage where you get to experience the wide variety of all the mainstream big names from South Ahh or it’s the lot where Piano heads get their chance to shine and it’s this what really makes Cottonfest so special and truly POWERFUL, being able to bring in so many communities in for the common goal of appreciating music, fashion and culture and carrying on the legacy of Riky.
Crocs pop-up
One of the first things we got to experience was the crocs pop up where you were able to stand the chance to win free crocs and some discounts, There was really nothing more exciting than that ROI of going home with a new pair of free crocs by the spin of a wheel, unfortunately I wasn’t that lucky but the opportunity alone was pretty cool, from the presenter, aesthetics and energy of the area it was really a highlight of the day, you could see just by how long that waiting line was
NBA Africa pop up
This was really interesting an interesting part of the event the chill setup,2k gaming station, the great music, basketball mini games and of course the actual games that took place, it truly felt like its own world within the event a few steps away from the lot it really had its own impact on the day, honestly speaking I don’t know what really could’ve added to my experience in the same way getting a break from the crowd and beating my boys with that Celtics team did. Honestly a refreshing moment within all the madness and beauty of the event
Beautiful moments
As always Cottonfest has given creatives and people the opportunity and time to interact and network, time to connect with people who’s work you appreciate and give them their flowers face to face. This year wasn’t any different, we got to see one of the hottest names on the street right now, Usimamane and one of the best rappers the country has produced, Nasty C link up and have their moment together. Not stopping there but we saw the Internet sensation Kane Keid and arguably the best rapper in the country right now, A-Reece link up. It’s these moments that really bring us together, the platform, the time, the moment to acknowledge one another and appreciate our creative talents, these were just 2 links we mentioned but just imagine how many collabs will be birthed out of this event and moment in time, photographers meeting models, artists meeting producers, visual artists and graphic designers linking up, it’s these moments and platforms that carry the nation’s creative scene forward
Bunker stage
Moving onto the highlight stage for me personally, the bunker stage. As I write this article I try to bring myself to find the words to describe how crazy yet amazing it was. It had everything, From the lighting being on point, the crowd moshpits, the klean selection of DJs, the introduction of all these upcoming artists and producers on a platform as big as Cottonfest, this added on to what I mentioned prior, this stage had a different energy, you were always 3 minutes away from getting to rage and go crazy, singing/screaming/shouting your heart out while having the time of your life, It’s here where people truly felt free and just went crazy and letting themselves loose, it was truly special. It’s this stage that really gave the platform for all the kids making shit and popping off on the internet a chance to establish their names as the new cats coming for the crowns
Tuckshop
Another year another round of clean Cottonfest collabs with local brands, Being able to elevate and amplify what these brands are doing on the street on a platform as big as what Cottonfest has come to be is truly beautiful. Now in terms of the pieces of themselves, in all honestly,I didn’t mess with everything YET doin don’t let that count out the pieces these broers killed it on, what I really appreciate about this years selection of collaborative brands is how each brand really offered something different Whether it was the Klean graphic tees from Brthrhood, the meticulous work on llembe’s denim jackets or Swear Ex’s experimental work on their jerseys you got variety, something I truly love and respect, Now it’s important for this moment to not only last here, put your coins up and Invest in what’s about to come out of these broers respectively
Broke Klubhouse x Klipdrift
What did they think bringing the Broke Boys to JHB, It’s honestly crazy the hold these broers have on the culture, it might be a suprise but this Klubhouse event was the highlight of day, you can’t describe what it was, you can’t pinpoint a word to imitate the energy in that room, you can’t tie down this experience to anything else. They really brought Wale st. to The Station. The music was immaculate and the lineup was klean, there was no breaks in truly immersing yourself into that space and time, maybe because it was a small crowd in comparison to all the stages or because EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE was able to let loose, and truly enjoy what was going on, to the side you see the infamous B on the other you see a fresh glass of klipdrift, you really couldn’t go wrong and that’s why nothing did. These broers really are the guys to beat killing it all on multiple fronts now and this pop up was a statement in itself
Fashion
You know damn well I’d be insane if I didn’t mention the amount of crazy, klean fits I saw at the event. I think it’s very easy for us to look outside of what’s going on outside home but it’s time you look here and study the damage these broers are creating consistently putting klean fit after klean fit. After this event I truly wish and hope there will be more coverage on our country’s fashion and style potential because we really know how to put shit on, no doubt about it, the next time you need fit inspo, looking to change up your style, learn to put shit on search for your neighbours here at home because this us the land where culture and fashion will be created and imitated worldwide in the coming years
Overall
Nothing could really take away from the beauty of this event (I mean except the rain lol) it was really an amazing experience, it feels amazing knowing what it means to a COTTON EATER, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now if you’re at the end of this article wondering what I’m going to rate this as an event, I’m sorry to disappoint you but that’s not happening because Cottonfest is really more than event and now I understand, and I mean I truly understand, it’s a moment to truly appreciate the past, present and FUTURE of the creative industry, it’s Riky’s legacy and I’m just glad all parties involved from the organisers, security, crowd, collaborative brands, pop-ups, food court and personalities could come together and carry it on in his name
