Kendrick Lamar, the globally acclaimed rap sensation, is poised to grace the African stage as the headline performer at the Hey Neighbour Festival in Pretoria this December.
Kendrick Lamar, who was the standout winner at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, taking home accolades in four categories including hip hop artist of the year, best live performer, lyricist of the year, and video director of the year alongside his creative partner Dave Free, is set to conclude the year with an electrifying performance at Africa’s biggest music festival.
This 3-day festival will feature Kendrick Lamar and other international stars, providing festival-goers with a world-class music experience. The event is organized in partnership with Heineken to celebrate the brewer’s global 150th anniversary in Africa.
Fans can look forward to the excitement of witnessing Kendrick Lamar’s legendary stage presence. The multiple Grammy Award-winning rapper is renowned for his ability to incorporate captivating acts and stunts during his performances.
Kendrick Lamar has always been open about his strong connection to Africa. He previously attributed the success of his critically acclaimed third studio album, “To Pimp A Butterfly,” to the inspiration he gained from his first visit to the continent in 2014. Kendrick said, “I felt like I belonged in Africa. I saw all the things that I wasn’t taught. Probably one of the hardest things to do is put [together] a concept on how beautiful a place can be and tell a person this while they’re still in the ghettos of Compton. I wanted to put that experience in the music.”
In 2022, after the release of his highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” Kendrick also spent time in Ghana, visiting townships and connecting with locals.
Marcel Swain, Head of Marketing: Premium at Heineken South Africa, expressed the excitement about hosting music and beer enthusiasts from several African countries at the Hey Neighbour Festival. “We’re excited to host music and beer lovers from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, and Ethiopia, at the Hey Neighbour Festival. This ensures a diverse and enriching experience for all attendees, fostering connections and celebrating good times,” he said.
Kendrick Lamar is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, having sold over 35 million albums worldwide and won 17 Grammy Awards. He is also the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize for music, which he earned for his fourth studio album, “DAMN.”
The Hey Neighbour Music Festival is set to take place from December 8th to 10th, 2023, and will feature other global stars such as Nigerian music sensation Rema, South African rapper Nasty C, and American singers The Chainsmokers, H.E.R., and Khalid, promising to be an event filled with musical thrill and togetherness inspired by Heineken’s mission to bring people together.
