SNAPS | Akon as the surprise act and ATM showing up for Emtee! Here's what went down at Cotton Fest 2023

06 February 2023 - 13:15
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Emtee performs at Cotton Fest at The Station in Johannesburg.
Emtee performs at Cotton Fest at The Station in Johannesburg.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

The return of Cotton Fest in the heart of Johannesburg at The Station was definitely one for the books.

While the festival will never be the same after the death of the co-founder Riky Rick, the evolution of the festival for the past two years has been one great ride to witness. 

This year the organisers took it up a notch, celebrating queer culture with pride banners, collaborating with the Youth Olympic Games and bringing a world-renowned artist out on stage, among many hot local acts — something many will never forget.  

Costa Titch brought out Senegalese-American singer Akon as his “international surprise act”, performing his hit Big Flexa. 

At the end of their performance, Akon gifted Costa Titch a diamond chain, suggesting a partnership with Akon’s Konvict Kulture.

“Cotton Fest '23! Shout out to my brother @akon for coming out and making it such a special moment! @converse.za thank you for dressing myself and the dancers! See you all same time next year! To my amazing team,” Costa Titch wrote, recalling the experience. 

Gqom duo Distruction Boyz gave their last performance as a group before taking a break to focus on their solo careers. 

Despite the technical glitches in-between, Uncle Waffles, Sjava, Emtee, DBN Gogo and Maglera Doe Boy, among many others, electrified the stage with their performances. 

See the snaps below:

DJ Uncle Waffles performing at Cotton Fest 2023.
DJ Uncle Waffles performing at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
Sjava at Cotton Fest 2023.
Sjava at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
Young Stunna at Cotton Fest 2023.
Young Stunna at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
Moozlie at Cotton Fest 2023.
Moozlie at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
Maglera Doe Boy at Cotton Fest 2023.
Maglera Doe Boy at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
Tshego at Cotton Fest 2023.
Tshego at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
DBN Gogo at Cotton Fest 2023.
DBN Gogo at Cotton Fest 2023.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

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