KZN-born, Joburg-based artist, entrepreneur, creative director and musician, ByLwansta kicked off his three-day KZN tour at AuthentiQ Bar & Restaurant (formerly known as The Charlatan) at 202 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban on Friday the 9th of August. The tour, titled Everything Is A Sign is inspired by his latest concept album "THE CHIP IS StALE", released on the 10th of May 2024.

The venue itself has completely transformed from what it was, into an urban sexy chic comeback. Matched with the fresh energy of ByLwansta’s unique, edgy, creative/corporate following, we were in for an inspirational night: Saucy RnB, real Hip Hop (as in the type with a storyline and bars), sequenced dance moves, and some of the most fire musicians I’ve experienced playing live. From 8pm to just after 10pm, we were entertained from start to finish. It’s not often you hear a smooth blend of sounds, reminiscent of the perfect 90s relationship between Hip Hop and RnB.

It was at this point I really appreciated that the establishment’s foldable doors were wide open, so that even passers-by could and did, stop to enjoy the music.

Opening band Babble Hume reminded me why I’ve always loved the freshness of Jozi. In what sounded like a blend of Novacane/Frank Ocean esque, but still very African, RnB and Neo Soul. Even with the change of vocalists halfway through the opening act, the evening continued to only ascend in vibes.

ByLwansta took to the stage, elevating an already highly-charged musical atmosphere, with authentic energy, charisma, and a story to tell. He flowed effortlessly with his bandmates - Amongst The People I Know (Drums), Bleet (Bass), KK (Trumpet), S.Que (Keys) and Thato Feels on Backing Vocals.

ByLwansta is definitely all the artist he thinks he is and more. If you’ve never seen a performance of his, follow his pages on social media to catch his next live show, as he embarks on a nation-wide tour. As a Hip Hop lover and artist myself, I can tell you - Hip Hop was well represented. Shout out to everyone on Tour with ByLwansta - for going IN. We wish him all the best, as he takes KZN to the world.

Written by Lex LaFoy

Photography by @mjimmysteve