Poloko Mokhele
SOUTH African radio station, Jacaranda FM, recently hosted the CompCare Afriski Winterfest at Afriski Mountain Resort in Butha-Buthe.
The festival ran from Thursday and ended on Sunday.
Compcare Afriski Winterfest is a music festival that gives revellers an up-close and personal experience with diverse activities.
During the day, revelers were treated to several activities that thrilled adventure lovers, festival junkies, skiers and snowboarders while at night the festival came alive with the hottest tunes from different Southern African artistes.
Winterfesters got creative and grabbed inflatables or anything with the ability to slide for a wild ride down the icy slopes. Those looking for the snow experience, but were little nervous on the side, had the opportunity to enjoy winter activities like bumboarding or tubing, among others throughout the weekend.
Due to the unusual warm weather, Winterfesters were treated to additional complimentary, summer activities ranging from quad biking and monster roller adventure down the Afriski trails.
Speaking after the event, chief executive officer of Universal Healthcare, Administrators of CompCare Medical Scheme, Johan Pretorius, said, “With all the outdoor activities and winter sports that are available, Afriski Winterfest was the perfect lit”.
“CompCare Wellness is one of the few medical schemes in South Africa that caterers for young adventure seekers. If you are a young, vibrant person that looks after your health, CompCare is definitely the scheme for you.”
Operations Director at Afriski Mountain Resort, Peter Peyper commended the event, saying it was one of the most electrifying events they have ever hosted.
“Our sixth Afriski Winterfest, the stage, line-up and the crowds, were the biggest to date. Thanks to our incredible sponsors CompCare and Universal Healthcare, Jacaranda FM and RedRock Beer,” Peyper said.
Morena Leraba, who is known for fusing his homegrown traditional famo inspired vocals with electronic dance, reggae hip-hop and everything in between, mesmerised the crowds with a sunset Saturday session. His re-modelled sounds brought a unique local experience to the weekend, showcasing pure Basotho talent.
Morena Leraba indicated that “a lot has happened since last year’s event”.
“We have travelled all over the world; we are doing shows constantly. That’s why I love coming back at Afriski for Winterfest. I am a shepherd and village boy at heart. Lesotho is where it all started, where the tradition that inspires my music lives.”
The line-up also featured the likes of, Rubber Duc, Martian Bester, Easy Freak, Straight Jackal, The Toast, Lady Lea, Wolfgang Marrow, DJ Jazzy D and 4 AM.
CompCare Afriski Winterfest presented by Jacaranda FM is expected to be held again for in August 2020.
The curtain was brought down in style on the final day with a champagne drenched main stage and the ritual “Ski Burning”. Dressed in Basotho gears, Afriski veterans performed under clear starry sky, chanting into the chilly night sacrificing the skies to the fire and bringing the festival to a close.
