While initial plans were to run Eden Fest 2024 over two days, fan feedback has convinced organisers to combine the afrobeats, RnB, reggae and hip hop event into a ‘Super Saturday’ – with over 30 acts performing on the same day at Trusts Arena in Tāmaki Makaurau on October 12.
An online survey with several thousand fans voting showed three quarters were in favour of combining all the acts into the one day. The move will offer Eden Fest 2024 festival goers amazing value with a range of international headline acts, as well as a host of top NZ performers, all performing together on the one line-up. A second stage will be added to the venue to cater for the full line-up on the one day and ensure all performers can still deliver their original set lists without any reductions in performance times.
Following the performance in 2023 by hip hop and RnB legend Lauren Hill, this year’s festival will see YG Marley – Lauren’s son and grandson of Bob Marley – take to the stage with the laconic style that has jettisoned him into the mainstream on the back on his viral hit single, Praise Jah In The Moonlight.
Other headline acts will include Grammy award-winning progressive platinum-certified RnB artist Miguel, as well as irreverent Brooklyn rapper Busta Rhymes who has emerged as one of the most idiosyncratic personalities of rap’s golden era with his halting ragga-inspired style and lyrics.
As last year the festival will feature some afrobeats heavy-hitters including the crowned queen of afrobeats Tiwa Savage, along with dancehall icon Beenie Man, and emerging Jamaican icon-to-be Shenseea. It will also have reggae favourites Kolohe Kai and Spawnbreezie to get the whole crowd singing along, creating unforgettable moments.
These performers will be joined by Aotearoa stars Stan Walker, A.R.T., Jujulipps and Nelz. Other local acts include Nokz, Oni500, Wstrn Guide, Tiara, K Swiss and Poppajax.