KDay 2014

I woke up at 06h00 in the morning to get ready to hit the road to KDay. This year, KDay took place at Sandringham Farm at Stellenbosch. In the morning, it was quite cold, but the weather got warmer as the day progressed. I went with my friend, Erin, her mom and dad, and their friends. Travelling to Sandringham Farm wasn’t actually as long as I expected. As we drove to Sandringham Farm, Erin’s mom was looking to see where the farm was. I spotted the KDay stage, and in that moment, I was getting excited as we were all going to see the amazing and talented South African musicians and the KFM presenters. I took along with me three posters I made myself, as well as a “I Love Locnville” poster Erin really wanted me to make for her.

Top: My inspired KFM nail art and Erin's inspired LCNVL nail art.
Bottom: The KDay queue.

The posters I made, as well as the posters signed at the two albums I had signed.

When we arrived at Sandringham Farm, there wasn’t much waiting in the car in order to enter the farm. The only time we waited was in the queue to get into the KDay venue. We arrived a little early before the gates officially opened. The sun came out from the clouds, and I felt the warmth against my back. I knew that this day would be a lovely day out in the sun, listening to the best South African musicians of all time. As we were waiting in the queue, you could hear the musicians were busy with the sound checking. I could mostly hear the band, MacStanley doing their sound checking.

 

Pictures from the KDay queue.

As the gates opened at 09h00, at first there was only one gate that would open, but then another gate opened at 09h00 which everyone ran to, me included. Erin and her family still had some baskets and bags to carry, so I quickly ran ahead to the queue to save them a spot in line. I must say this time around, the queue lines were a lot more structured than last time. I noticed there was a lot more security than last time as well.

Before you were allowed to enter, your bag had to be searched for any alcohol, weapons etc. You also received – from the gate I entered – a little MTN bag with lip ice, Super C, refreshing mints and towels, and also a promotion brochure from MTN.

I remember last time I ran to get a spot at KDay, this time around, I didn't run as there was acres of land to walk around. After settling in at KDay, I went with my two new friends, Sydney and her brother, and Erin. We walked to the merchandise table where there were albums from the musicians that were performing that you could purchase. The merchandise table had a Musica stand, as well as The Greek Merchant stand.

Top Left: The MTN packet you received.
Top Right, Bottom pictures: The merchandise table.

While we were waiting for KDay to officially start, I saw Pags, a KFM presenter. He was the first person to sign my poster which had all the KFM presenters on, well all the KFM presenters I can think of. After speaking to Pags, Erin, Sydney and her brother, and I walked around the venue, to see what all there was at KDay. There was a kiddies section where your children could go on a jumping castle and have fun. There was also a MTN section where you could go and rest, have some water; you could even enter to win a cell phone at the MTN section.

Left picture: Meeting Pags.
Right pictures: At KDay venue.

I walked toward the stage, and Sydney, her brother and Erin all came with me. As we all headed for the KDay stage, everyone saw a helicopter coming toward the KDay venue’s field. I had a feeling it would be Ryan O’Connor as when I asked Pags where Ryan was, he said Ryan was still on his way. My prediction was right; Ryan O’Connor came out of the helicopter. Everyone cheered and clapped for Ryan’s arrival. I got to see Deon Bing again as I saw him at KDay back in 2012. He is really a cool guy and really nice. He walked around with a little camera all day on his cap at KDay.

 

Top Left: I met Deon Bing.
Bottom Left: Ryan O'Connor arriving from the helicopter.
Right pictures: At KDay.

It wasn’t long until Ryan O’Connor came on stage and welcomed everyone to KDay. Everyone cheered and screamed when Ryan read out who was all going to perform at KDay. There were over 18 000 people who were all here at KDay, a lot more than the last KDay as all the KDay tickets were all sold out this time. Ryan welcomed the very first band who was going to perform at KDay, MacStanley. MacStanley is an amazing band; Andrew Mac – the lead singer – has such a good voice. They performed their most well-known song “Angel” which everyone was happy to hear. Andrew Mac walked more towards the front of the stage and stated he didn’t like being this far away from the band as he feels too far from his band members. Overall, MacStanley’s performance was really great! I have never seen MacStanley perform live in my life, but seeing this performance, it left you breathless and excited to see what more songs MacStanley were going to perform. Also, when each musician performed and you were right by the stage, you could feel the base in your chest, which was a really cool feeling.

After MacStanley’s performance, my friends and I went to the Musica’s stand, where the musicians were going to sign merchandise for their fans. You had to wait about 10 – 15 minutes after every musician’s performance as they were first interviewed, and only then could they go and sign merchandise and take photos with their fans. When I met MacStanley, they were all really nice and kind towards me, and their fans. I showed them the poster I made, and they all loved it and were happy to sign the poster.

MacStanley at KDay
Bottom right: Me with MacStanley.

Next up was Daniel Baron. He sang really well, the outfit he wore was really smart. Daniel Baron, as well as his band members, all had what looked like black paint streaks across one side of their face; the black paint streaks was under and above their one eye. Throughout one song, Daniel Baron asked for one of his fans to go on stage as he was going to sing a song to his fan. I was surprised to see the fan was my friend from my school who was on stage. As Daniel Baron was still singing, I saw Stephen Werner, the producer on the KFM Breakfast Show. He also liked the poster I made, and my friends and I got to speak to him for little bit, and then my friends and I went to the merchandise table to meet Daniel Baron.

I noticed there were a lot more people who were by the merchandise table. Daniel Baron signed the poster I made as he previously saw the poster on Twitter. I also saw Jeremy Harris, who does the sport reports on the KFM Breakfast Show, which he also signed my poster. Both Daniel Baron and Jeremy Harris were nice men, and signed anything their fans had for them.

Daniel Baron at KDay.
Bottom right: Me with Daniel Baron and Jeremy Harris.

Next on stage was a new South African band, Beatenberg. They were fantastic! All talented men as they all play instruments. They sang their well-known song “Chelsea Blakemore”. Everyone in the crowd cheered for this song. Their performance was really good, considering they are fairly new to the music industry. They have quite a big fan base as well.

I had a photo taken with them, and they liked my poster I made so much that they took a photo of it.

Beatenberg at KDay.
Top right: Beatenberg taking a photo of the poster I made.
Bottom left and right: Me and Erin with Beatenberg.

Next to perform was Blackbyrd. All amazing ladies with such talent! Not only do these ladies sing with such beautiful voices, but these ladies also play guitars as well. They sang all their well-known songs, and also covered Miley Cyrus’s song “Wrecking Ball”. Their cover of the song was brilliant! Many people sang along as well. Blackbyrd also rapped a bit in one of their songs, which got the crowd screaming even more. Blackbyrd welcomed Craig Hinds from Watershed and sang “From the Bottom of my Heart”. This duet was so lovely to listen to! It was as if you can feel the emotion in this song.

Meeting Blackbyrd was really lovely! They are all really nice ladies. I was in line with a few people I met, and they really wanted to meet Blackbyrd. When Blackbryd were getting ready to leave, the people I was with asked and pleaded for Blackbyrd to wait as they really, I mean really wanted to meet them.

Top: Blackbyrd at KDay.
Bottom: Me with Blackbyrd.

Lloyd Cele was up next. His performance was very good. He jumped up and down, and was full of energy, which wasn’t a problem for the crowd. He played the one song “Cinderella”, which everyone absolutely loved! The sound of his voice in this song was really incredible to hear. What I couldn't believe was that I didn’t know Lloyd Cele had brought out a book called “The Dream of an Idol”. Lloyd spoke about his new book as this book is about following your own dreams and strive for what you want to be.

Meeting Lloyd Cele was great! He saw my poster and was happy to sign it; he also said he liked the poster I made. I also got a photo with him, he really nice man.

Top: Lloyd Cele at KDay.
Bottom: Me with Lloyd Cele.

Next up was Elvis Blue, a man with such incredible talent! His performance was absolutely amazing! He played the guitar as he does in all his performances. The crowd all sang along with every song Elvis Blue sang, and when he walked towards the crowd, they all screamed even more and cheered for him. Seeing Elvis Blue perform live is really excellent to see!

The queue to meet Elvis Blue was quite long, but my friends and I were first in line. Meeting Elvis Blue again (as I saw him back at KDay in 2012) was nice and he is such a kind person.

Top: Elvis Blue at KDay.
Bottom: Me with Elvis Blue.

Danny K was up next. Now when Danny K hit the stage, all that could be heard were girls screaming. A lot of girls went crazy and started to dance even more at Danny K’s music.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the guitarist, Ryno Zeelie, the lead guitarist from the band he is in, The Graeme Watkins Project. Overall, Danny K’s performance was brilliant and there was never a dull moment in his performance.

Meeting Danny K was really cool. A lot of fans were so happy to have met him; he also signed my poster which he said that it was really good.

Top: Danny K at KDay.
Bottom: Me with Danny K.

The next band to perform was Die Heuwels Fantasties. Their performance was very good. The crowd were pleased to see this rock band perform live on stage. The crowd sang to every song performed by Die Heuwels Fantasties. I did see many people singing along and rocking out to every song Die Heuwels Fantasties sang.

I met Die Heuwels Fantasties, and I told them their performance was excellent! I spoke Afrikaans to them, saying that their performance was outstanding and really good!! This was my first time seeing Die Heuwels Fantastic perform live.

Top left: The KFM presenters and some KDay musicians all come out for KDay selfie photo.
Top right: Die Heuwels Fantasties at KDay.
Bottom left and right: Me and Die Heuwels Fantasties.

Next to perform was GOODLUCK, a very great group with talented musicians. All I heard was cheering and screaming. This group is absolutely outstanding! Their music is so catchy and really incredible to listen to live. They did play some of their old songs like “London Sixteen66”, as well as their new songs. Juliet’s voice is really beautiful. What I found so astonishing was when GOODLUCK welcomed Matthew Gold on stage to sing the song “Taking it Easy”. The crowd definitely cheered for this song.

The fans were really glad to meet GOODLUCK. Matthew Gold also came out and took photos with the fans.

Top left and top right: GOODLUCK at KDay.
Bottom left: the VIP section.
Bottom right: Me and GOODLUCK.

Next to perform was Jimmy Nevis. Now before he started his performance, people went crazy and cheered for Jimmy Nevis as some people could see him backstage. He does have a good voice that I can tell you. The crowd was overjoyed to see Jimmy Nevis perform live on stage. There was some interaction with the crowd as they all sang along to Jimmy Nevis’s songs.

After Jimmy Nevis’s performance, I would say this is when people started to push in the queue, but the Musica crew were on the case and made sure the queue to meet Jimmy Nevis was back in order. Luckily I managed to get a photo and my poster signed by Jimmy Nevis.

Left: The queue line when Jimmy Nevis came out for photos and signatures.
Right: Me and a girl I met with Jimmy Nevis.

Next up was Watershed, a band Erin just couldn’t wait to see. Erin told me Watershed performed at Kirstenbosch and it was also on her 15^th birthday as well. I have heard Watershed’s music before on the radio, but listening to them perform live, that was just truly amazing! They performed their one song “Letters” which is Erin’s favourite song from them and a very well-known song of theirs. Craig Hinds’s voice is very unique I found. Watershed’s performance was truly amazing to see live!

I was lucky as well to take a photo with Watershed. Erin was overjoyed and said that the lead singer, Craig Hinds, remembered her. Erin said to me she told Watershed that she was at their performance back at Kirstenbosch on her 15^th birthday. DJ Kent also came out to perform, which was really great and cool! Unfortunately he didn’t come out to meet his fans.

Left: The people at KDay.
Right: Me with Watershed.

Next to perform was Mi Casa. Mi Casa’s performance was very good! They have great music; a lot of people were cheering, singing along with all of Mi Casa’s songs. These men are really talented; the lead singer has a great voice, their music is good to listen to and overall there was a good vibe from the crowd. Mi Casa did perform for quite some time, but everyone continued to dance, sing along and everyone was very happy and cheered for Mi Casa’s music.

I met Mi Casa, the one band member though wasn’t there. I didn’t have enough time for Mi Casa to sign my poster, but at least I got a photo with them. They were nice men, really sweet to their fans.

Top: Mi Casa performing ta KDay.
Bottom: Me with Mi Casa.

Next to perform was Prime Circle, the one rock band I could not wait to see! They are one for the best South African rock bands of all times. There were people screaming and rooting for Prime Circle. The crowd was even fist pumping in the air and all enjoyed Prime Circle’s music. I must say, you will always know when Prime Circle is playing as the lead singer’s voice; Ross Learmonth is so unique. I reckon this band deserves to be at the Grammy Awards. I have been listening to their music since I was younger until now. When Prime Circle performed, there was smoke that came from the stage, and also when Prime Circle ended their performance, there was what looked like confetti that came from the stage. It looked really magical and beautiful. I was so happy with all the songs they performed. Watching them perform live is truly a blessing to see!

I was so happy to have officially met the entire band of Prime Circle. They all signed my poster and I took a photo with them. My permanent marker was given to Prime Circle to lend as the Musica crew had no more markers left. It was also the guitarist, Neil Breytenbach birthday just recently before KDay, so I wished him a happy birthday. These guys are super nice and very kind to their fans.

Top left, top right and bottom left Prime Circle at KDay.
Bottom right: Me with Prime Circle.

Next up was Locnville (LCNVL), a great pop/dance duo that has good music. When Locnville came on stage, all you literally could hear was screaming and shouting. Even from where I was standing at the merchandise table, you could mostly hear girls screaming. Erin had been waiting the entire day to see Locnville perform. They sang “Closer”, which Lakota Silva came on stage. The crowd cheered for her as well on stage. She has an amazing voice; I reckon Lakota Silva should definitely bring out an album of her own in the future. Their interaction with the crowd (or rather Villens) was very good as they asked for the crowd to jump up and down and everyone danced to the music as well. I must admit, these guys have worked long and hard to get to where they are today. My favourite song right now from Locnville’s latest album “The Odyssey” is “Dreamcatcher” featuring Tailor. Unfortunately Tailor wasn’t at KDay, but at least we heard the song, and you heard her voice in the song. I was so glad Locnville performed this song. This duo are truly talented and their performance was very enthusiastic and incredible to see live.

Now when meeting Locnville, I was waiting in line as was everyone else. After Locnville performed, there was such a long queue at the merchandise table, but what happened next wasn’t as pleasant. People started to push in front to try and get to the front of the queue, luckily a lady to my left and twin sisters who were to my right were blocking the people off who were pushing in. The lady that was with the Musica crew asked for my permanent marker as Musica had all ran out of permanent markers. What surprised me was when she said to me that she would trade my permanent marker for the new Locnville album, so I traded her. I went to the front of the queue, well I was still by the front of the queue, and I just took about like 4 steps forward. The lady that was with Musica crew went backstage, and when she came back, she told me that my friend, Erin, had to also come to the front of the queue as Locnville specifically asked for us. We waited a while until Locnville came out and every single person screamed and clapped for them. Erin screamed so much that she literally had no voice for the rest of that night. Locnville signed my poster, as well as the new album I received. I didn’t see Lakota Silva though; I think she was busy backstage. Erin gave Locnville the poster I made for her and they asked to keep the poster. I also got a photo with them; they are really nice people and are always kind to their Villens.

Top right: Confetti on stage.
Top right: Big MTN ball.
Left and Right pictures: Me and Erin with LCNVL.

The second last band to perform was The Parlotones. Another South African rock I couldn’t wait to see perform live. It was nice to see them once again live at KDay. Their performances are always good to see live. Their interaction to the crowd was incredible to see, there was one song The Parlotones performed, which the crowd sang along to as the lead singer, Kahn Morbee, asked the crowd to sing their one song. The Parlotones played “Colourful”, which was the song I requested on KFM LDR (Listen Driven Radio) to play, and this song won me KDay tickets. We all sang along to this song, most definitely. What I found very insightful was when Kahn Morbee mentioned it was “Earth Hour” on this day, so what The Parlotones did was switch off all the lights on the stage, except the instruments and microphones. The song they played was lovely and the crowd sang along as well. The Parlotones performance was really amazing to see.

Then finally, the very last performance for KDay was Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels, an excellent performance indeed! Erin and her mom danced along to every song. They covered the song “Getting Lucky” by Daft Punk featuring Pharell Williams. This was a great cover of the song, it almost sounded like the original song. They also played their well-known songs, which I could tell everyone sang along to. I had never actually seen Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels perform live before, so seeing them live was really cool.

I didn’t get the chance to meet The Parlotones or Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels as I have been standing all day, and the queue lines were a bit too much to stand in, so my friends and I all walked back to Erin’s mom and her friends. We stayed until the end and I must say, all the musicians that performed are all super talented and one of the many reasons why I love South Africa music.

Pictures from night time at KDay.

By the merchandise table, where the Musica people and stand was, they were great people, really. The merchandise table was a lot more organised than last time in 2012 because last time, people pushed in and it wasn’t really organised over the queues. I was lucky enough to have both signed and photos taken with the musicians. They were all really kind to their fans. At the start, the fans were allowed to take a photo and have something signed by the musicians, but as the line got longer; the slower it took for fans to meet the musicians. To make it faster, you could either take a photo or have something signed by the musicians. This time round at the merchandise table, the Musica crew asked if you were either alone or in a group for a photo with the musicians. The Musica crew were very helpful and they helped the fans out with taking their cameras and taking the photo’s for them with the musicians. The Greek Merchant only sold merchandise when their music group came on stage, but they were also very nice people. If you needed to know about what other merchandise they sell, they were very helpful and told you about the Greek Merchant merchandise.

Pictures of me with the Musica crew.

Overall KDay 2014 was an incredible time, I enjoyed every second of it and this will definitely be a day to remember for the year 2014! I was live on air on KFM radio as well, which is always a great experience! I also had the opportunity to meet the KFM presenters. Most of the KFM presenters knew me already. I got to see KFM presenters like Ryan O’Connor, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Deon Bing, Candice Botha, Terence Mentor, Ian Bredenkamp and Jonathan Duguid. I was mostly at the merchandise table. I met most of the musicians I had the opportunity to meet, as well as the KFM presenters, and they had all signed the poster I made.

I met Candice Botha (Top left), Terence Mentor (Top right), Liezel van der Westhuizen (Bottom left) and Ian Bredenkamp (Bottom right).

I met Jonathan Duguid (Top left), Ryan O'Connor (Top right), Pags (Bottom left) and
Stephen Werner (Bottom right).

I met Neil and Glen from The Parlotones (Top left), Ross Learmonth (Top right), Ryno Zeelie (Bottom left) and
Craig Hinds (Bottom right).

There was also a very big MTN yellow blow up ball that went around in the crowd. Also during each musicians performance, while I was waiting in the merchandise queue, I went to where the VIP section is as some of the KDay musicians walked to and from the KDay stage. So I got to meet them like Ross Learmonth, KFM presenters and Neil Pauw and Glen Hodgson. While I spoke to Ross Learmonth, there were other people who came running for photos. A lady who was waiting for a photo, had on a KDay badge, and she said only VIP’ people received this badge as VIP people received a VIP package, and the lady was so kind as to give me the KDay badge.

So I thank 94.5 KFM – My all time favourite radio station – and MTN. If it wasn’t for them, KDay wouldn’t have happened.

Thanks to everyone who attended!

Thank YOU 94.5 KFM and MTN for such a magical and wonderful day!

Thank you to everyone who read this blog!