Music lovers take note – this Easter, your favourite province will be rocking to the sounds of some of the best music that South Africa has to offer. The hills of KwaZulu-Natal will, quite literally, come alive with everything from the rollicking sounds of rock to the magical harmonies of gospel – with a lively rendition of jazz in the magnificent Drakensberg mountains to round off the experience.
All that jazz in KZN!
Jazz At The Berg, a three-day lifestyle and tourism festival set in the magnificent surrounds of the central Drakensberg, combines a relaxing outdoor experience with the eclectic sounds of some of the country’s top jazz artists. Headlined by Mandisi Dantyis, Zoë Modiga and Lloyiso, Jazz in the Berg will take place at the Cathedral Peak Wine Estate from the 23rd of March.
Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, established in 2007 is the first and only wine estate in the Central Drakensberg, provides jazz lovers from far and wide with a colourful but relaxed country experience that can expand to more adventurous activities like quad biking and mountain climbing as well as excellent cuisine, pop up fashion stalls and more.
Rocking in the mountains
KZN’s oldest and longest running music festival has become something of an Easter tradition. The iconic Splashy Fen isn’t dubbed South Africa’s friendliest music festival for nothing and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of musos and music lovers form across the world to a beautiful farm near Underberg in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains.
This year, Splashy Fen will take place between March 28 and April 1, with a stellar line up of local and international musicians. Over the four-day fest there is something for everyone and fans will be spoiled with music across all genres.
Enjoy the beats of Matt Davies and Tim Lewis, or thrill with USA bands Hot Water and American Authors, Nordista Freeze to The Dreggs from Australia, the Kickstands from Durban, Desmond and the Tutus from Pretoria, the Parlotones and global favourites the Ndlovu Youth Choir to name just a handful.
Over the years, this festival has celebrated country life through music, art, people and family fun. While the festival started out with a focus on rock and folk music, it has since spread its wings to include a far more vibrant mix with something for everyone – from pop and electro to heavy metal and maskanda.
Festival goers can camp or enjoy some of the province’s more luxurious accommodation and even stay on to experience more of what this premier country destination has to offer.
An unforgettable Easter celebration
The unforgettable Joyous Celebration will return to the Durban ICC this Easter for the live recording of Joyous Celebration 28. This two-night extravaganza is part of this uniquely South African gospel group’s Easter Megafest and promises everything from praise and worship to vocal harmonies.
Joyous Celebration was the brainchild of industry heavyweights Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba in 1994 and continues its mission to heal and uplift the nation whilst celebrating South Africa’s hard-won democracy. Through the years, it has not only launched new talent and celebrated existing collaborations but has become something of an unforgettable Easter musical tradition for the province.
Joyous Celebration also has a concert scheduled for March 29 at the University of Zululand’s Bhekuzulu Hall.
So, whatever your music taste, head to KZN this Easter – a province were the weather is as warm as the people and the music is hot!

