Three iconic music eras combine to warm up dance floor
Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday June 9, 2026 13:32
Through the arrangement, three iconic musical eras, often compared for their cultural impact, came together in a high-energy celebration that turned the venue into a pulsating discotheque filled with rhythm, style, and unforgettable memories. Despite the biting cold weather, a large and enthusiastic crowd turned out, proving the enduring popularity of the event. Attendees respected the theme wholeheartedly. They arrived in their finest retro attire; Afro wigs, Sophiatown-inspired flair, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and colourful 80s and 90s ensembles created a visual feast that perfectly complemented the musical journey. The fusion of the 90s alongside the classic 70s and 80s disco sounds was a smart and meaningful expansion.
It honoured the natural evolution of music and lifestyle across generations while delivering a more diverse and dynamic setlist that kept the energy high throughout the night. The night kicked off with DJ Mimi, who set a strong, upbeat tone. She was followed by Bats Matash, Otis Frasier, and DJ Jam N-I, each contributing to the seamless flow of nostalgic hits. Bongo Maffin stepped in as a last-minute addition, replacing the originally billed headliners Brothers of Peace and Oskido, and delivered their signature high-energy performance, living up to their reputation. DJ Lefatshe brought the evening to a powerful close with a dynamic set that had the crowd fully immersed until the final beats. The entire setlist was an uptempo journey through nostalgia, blending timeless classics with crowd favourites that spanned the three decades. One undeniable highlight came from Bongo Maffin with their regional anthem “Thathisigubhu.” The track pulled even the most reserved attendees out of their seats and onto the dance floor, creating an electric moment that many described as the peak of the night.
While the event successfully captured the spirit and vibe of the 70s through 90s era, it leaned heavily on DJ-driven playlists. There was a desire for more of both live music performances and instrumentation. Bongo Maffin did deliver a live set, but it arrived later in the evening and felt too brief for some. A heartwarming observation from this year’s edition was the strong presence of younger attendees, many of whom weren’t even born when these tracks originally dropped. Their enthusiastic participation highlighted the timeless appeal of the music, showing how it continues to unite generations, connecting children with the sounds that once defined their parents’ youth. From start to finish, the event ran smoothly without any hitches.
The sound system delivered thumping, crystal-clear audio all night, and the organisation was flawless, cementing this edition as another strong chapter in the show’s celebrated history. The return of the 70s, 80s & 90s Disco Party at Grand Palm Resort was more than just a night out; it was a joyful reminder of music’s power to transcend time, weather, and generations. If this year’s success is anything to go by, fans can look forward to many more nights of retro revelry in years to come.