It’s not every day that South Africa gets a taste of an artist like Kaytranada. The enigmatic producer with beats that transcend genre graced our shores for the first time, and let me tell you, it was unforgettable. Thanks to Milk + Cookies Fest, Johannesburg got its turn to experience the magic of Kaytranada’s Timeless Tour, and the vibes? Immaculate.

I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first. The Cape Town leg of the tour had some logistical hiccups, with traffic chaos and long waits souring the experience for some. But you know me—I can’t resist a good event, especially one promising this kind of energy. So, I headed to Huddle Park with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Let’s talk about the scene. South Africans are always ready, and despite the rain turning the grounds into a muddy festival runway, people showed up in boots and good spirits. Getting in was a breeze for me (thank you, Media tag), but for those who had to navigate the ticket and reload queues, it was a different story. The weather and poor network connectivity made things tricky, but even that couldn’t dampen the buzz.

Once inside, the energy was electric. I caught DJ Lag and Thakzin’s set just as I arrived. Gqom isn’t really my thing, but these two know how to work a crowd. They pulled people in, and by the time their set ended, even I was bouncing to beats I wouldn’t normally add to my playlist.

And then, there was him. Kaytranada.

This man knows how to put on a show. He sold out Cape Town, he sold out Joburg, and judging by the crowd’s energy, he could’ve sold out another night if he wanted to. It was his first time performing in South Africa as a main headline act since Afropunk Joburg in 2018 and it felt monumental.

From fan favourites to deep cuts, he delivered a set that was equal parts groove and revelation. Songs I’d never paid much attention to suddenly felt like new favourites. That’s the magic of live music—the way it opens up a world you didn’t even know you wanted to step into.

I was so hyped after his set that the idea of hitting the afterparty seemed like the perfect ending. But, as fate (and South African weather) would have it, the rain had other plans. My friends and I made the collective call to head home instead, drenched but thoroughly satisfied.This wasn’t just about Kaytranada, though. It was about what his tour represents.

South Africa’s music scene is expanding in beautiful ways. For too long, it felt like the spotlight only shone on Amapiano and Hip Hop—genres we excel at, no doubt. But Kaytranada’s sold-out shows were a reminder that there’s space here for everyone, even for the alternative, genre-bending sounds that defy convention.

This is just the beginning. I’m already plotting my next event escapades, and you know I’ll be sharing the best of the best. Stay tuned, because if this is how the year kicks off, we’re in for something spectacular. See you on the dance floor—or in the mud.