Thousands Unite For Coke Gig Southside

Thousands Unite For Coke Gig Southside

More than 8,000 people are expected at this Saturday's (22/2) mammoth music festival at the Manukau Sportsbowl in South Auckland.

Eight audition winners will join headline acts Katchafire, Nesian Mystic, Ardijah and Dawn Raid featuring Ill Semantics and Deceptikonz on stage at the annual Coke Gig Southside concert.

The six-hour show from 1.30pm to 8pm also includes performances by DJ Sir- Vere and Ali's Major Flavours Showcase, DJ CXL, Cydel, Fou Nature, Jireh and the Mt Roskill Gospel Choir as well as Rhythm Nation Search for Sound winner Jo Jo Elliott.

Supported by Coke, Manukau Youth Centre and Mai FM 88.6, the event features forecourt entertainment such as celebrity sports games and interactive stalls between 10am and 2pm.

Auckland's top breakdancers will vie for honours in the inaugural 3-on-3 breakdancing competition.

Youth Affairs Minister John Tamihere and Ardijah's Ryan Monga are keynote speakers at a VIP ceremony to be hosted by Coke and the Manukau Youth Centre at 2.30pm on Saturday in the VIP Centre at the Manukau Sportsbowl.

Event manager Thelo Meleisea says the standard of talent among the dozens of musicians, singers and dancers who tried out for a place in the concert was extremely high.

The eight winners were selected from two rounds of auditions at Otara and Manukau over the past two weeks.

They are singers James Ru, Hugh Smith and Angela Afeaki; hip hop dance crew Neon; hip hop group Unison; Medical Klan featuring David Wikaira- Paul from Shortland Street; reggae band Ina T; and human beat-box Justin Nanai.

Mr Meleisea says the festival offers something for everyone from hip hop to R'n'B and reggae.

"For up-and-coming local talent, performing alongside some of the region's best will provide a taste of what it's like to be a professional musician," says Mr Meleisea.

Tickets for the concert can be swapped with a 600ml Coke label from either the Customer Service Centre at Westfield Manukau City or Sounds Music Manukau, and will also be available at the venue on the day.

Stagecoach buses are the best way to get to the concert with timetable information available from Rideline on 09 366 6400.

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