Kelvin Momo will headline the 2025 edition of the genre-defying experience, accompanied by none other than Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra. Picture: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
The Red Bull Symphonic: Kelvin Momo with Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra is days away and excitement and nerves are in the air.
Red Bull Symphonic organisers have not announced any changes to the big day and Kelvin Momo has been spotted attending rehearsals.
Fans are excited to hear Kelvin Momo’s music reimagined with a live orchestra but some are sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation to see whether the hit producer will make his performance.
Questions regarding the artist's dependability are increasing among his fanbase, particularly concerning his attendance at the Red Bull Symphonic event.
In videos shared online, Kelvin Momo has been joining the orchestra during rehearsals with insiders confirming his attendance.
This is Red Bull’s second year hosting the Symphonic and South Africa and the private piano hitmaker follows in the footsteps of Kabza De Small.
He’ll be collaborating with Kelvin Momo, the pioneer of “private school Amapiano.” Known for his smooth, jazz-influenced compositions, Momo’s sound offers the perfect canvas for orchestral expansion.
“We’ve selected songs that tell a story — a journey through Kelvin’s catalogue, paying homage to where he started and where he is now,” said Howard.
“His music is rich with harmony, structure, and jazz influences. My job is to enhance that with an orchestral backdrop without losing the soul of what’s already there.”
Howard was a part of the first symphonic and even received a standing ovation for his solo performance.
“Last year was an amazing experience. I was the musical director, did all the arrangements, and played in the orchestra. I thought I’d come down and play a solo or two, I didn’t expect it to go down so well!” Howard remarks.
The response from the audience was electric, with the entire auditorium erupting during his impromptu solo moments. That unexpected enthusiasm helped catapult him to the forefront of this year’s show.
Having played with the likes of Brothers of Peace, Kalawa Jazmee, Brenda Fassie, and more, Howard is no stranger to the limelight. But what made last year’s Red Bull Symphonic with Kabza De Small unique was the way it merged classical orchestration with contemporary sounds, a fusion not commonly seen in traditional orchestras.
“There’s never been a time in an orchestra where someone stands up and plays over Amapiano music,” he said, beaming. “It was a real visual moment, two worlds colliding.
“We encouraged the orchestra to not just play the notes, but to really get into the spirit of the music.”
This year, that vision takes an even bolder step forward. Howard has been tasked with curating a bespoke orchestra for the event, reimagining what a symphony orchestra can look and sound like.
The Red Bull Symphonic: Kelvin Momo with Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra takes place over three days June 6, 7 and 8 at The Teatro, Montecasino.
IOL Entertainment