Fashion Force Africa Magazine

Join Ballantine’s True Music as they mark a decade of Boiler Room with immersive events in Pretoria and Durban, featuring Amapiano, Bacardi, and Gqom hits. Discover the lineup and experience the vibrant local sounds that have made waves globally.

Johannesburg, 15 April 2024: Ballantine’s True Music commemorates 10 years of Boiler Room in May, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting South African-born genres like Amapiano, Bacardi, and Gqom on the global stage. Through its renowned broadcasts, Boiler Room has spotlighted numerous local artists who have made significant impacts worldwide.

In the lead-up to Boiler Room’s 10-year Anniversary, Ballantine’s True Music will kick off festivities in Pretoria on 20 April with an Amapiano and Bacardi immersion. The event will commence at Braai Maestro in Pretoria West at 18:30, featuring dynamic duo Mellow & Sleazy and “Tiya Mfana” sensation DJ Tshegu, serving up Bacardi-infused Amapiano beats.

Later at 22:00, Ballantine’s True Music will take over Hawayu Lifestyle in Centurion, showcasing Bacardi ambassador Enny Man da Guitar and Private School Amapiano icon Kelvin Momo.

The Durban leg of Ballantine’s True Music unfolds on 27 April at Exit Shisayama and Carwash, featuring Gqom maestros Durban’s Finest—DJ Tira and Sox—alongside GoldMax from the legendary Distruction Boyz.

With Boiler Room as its platform, Ballantine’s True Music has been a steadfast advocate for local sounds, aiding in their global dissemination. From the early days of Boiler Room in 2014, artists like House DJ Lamiez Holworthy introduced Amapiano tunes, defying mainstream norms.

This grassroots approach mirrors Boiler Room’s treatment of Gqom, exemplified by DJ Lag’s hypnotic “Amanikiniki” during Boiler Room 2019 in Durban, which became a viral sensation worldwide.

Thirashan Naidoo, Ballantine’s Marketing Manager at Pernod Ricard, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to showcasing, promoting, and celebrating diverse music and cultures. “Our True Music events in Pretoria and Durban uphold this mission, allowing us to showcase local talent and sounds while taking them global through our decade-long partnership with Boiler Room,” says Naidoo.

The Boiler Room 10th Anniversary will take place in Johannesburg at 1 Fox on 11 May, featuring Amapiano heavyweights Scorpion Kings, “Mnike” sensation Tyler ICU, and DBN Gogo. Sign up for tickets HERE.

For more details on the True Music events, visit the venues’ social media platforms and @ballantinesSA. #staytrue