Sneaker culture has seen significant growth around the world in the last few years, and has really taken off across South Africa too. As such, there have been many events that have popped up in those years thanks to the growth. In particular, one of the biggest events on the calendar has to be Sportscene’s Capsule Fest, which has been an annual event since 2017, when it first launched at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg. In search of bigger and better, the event was moved across town to Zone 6 Venue in Soweto, Johannesburg.
No doubt the change to the multicultural venue made for a huge culture shock for many. However, it brought persons from all backgrounds into the heart of South African heritage, well-known for producing many artists, musicians, designers, fashionistas and much more. The venue in itself was amazing, featuring many different elements apart from just offering a stage and open area to place stalls. Instead, there were numerous hangout spots, stands and even a pool in the surrounding areas, which meant a bit of everything for those in attendance.
That said, the weather didn’t always play ball, coming down in buckets late afternoon, as it typical of the Johannesburg summer. But that didn’t deter the crowds from enjoying the scenes, as well as the great cast of supporting musical acts, which included AKA IV League, Riky Rick Makhado, Babes Wodumo, Shane Eagle, Dj Speedsta SA, DJ LAG GQOMking and more.
The event showcased major brands within the country, which included Nike, Converse, KAPPA, Vans, adidas, New Balance, as well as support from Capitec Bank, SlikourOnLife, 5FM and MTV Base Africa, who brought in numerous artists, guest speakers and additional entertainment to entertain the crowds. Each of the sneaker brands hosted various celebs, media and VIP guests within their demarcated hangout areas. Many of these areas included entertainment of their own, as well as brand pop-up zones to buy and customise your own sneakers.
One of the cool introductions to the venue was the pop-up halfpipe, which created a vibe of its own outside the venue where skaters from all walks of life could enjoy a session strutting their stuff. There were also a few bikers who managed some time across the course during a small gap when the skaters were taking shelter from the rains. What was great to see was the mix of young and old across all races enjoying the vibes in the middle of Soweto.
The event continued into the late hours of the night into Sunday morning, with the tie-in concert in full swing. Thanks to Vans SA for hosting FoS at the event, it was an amazing experience. Already looking forward to the Capsule Fest 2019 edition.
