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With artists representing multiple genres and generations, Parklive’s latest edition is packed with performances worth adding to your festival schedule. If you’re still deciding who to see or have already planned your day around your favourite, here’s why each artist deserves a spot on your Parklive itinerary.
Need the full lowdown? Head to our complete Parklive guide for venue information, ticket details and everything else you need to know about the festival.
Elaine
Not many can say that they have become one of the defining voices of South African R&B quite like Elaine, and that is thanks to her smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Her sound fuses modern R&B, soul and subtle trap-soul beats, while her lyrics explore the highs and lows of relationships with honesty and warmth.
Listen before you go: You’re the One, Say I Do One More Dance on Spotify.
As her career has grown internationally, Elaine has stayed true to the warmth and vulnerability that first resonated with listeners. Her collaborations with Major League DJz showcased her versatility, proving she’s just as comfortable over house-inspired rhythms as she is delivering soulful R&B. Whether the mood is intimate or uplifting, Elaine delivers every performance with effortless control, never losing the emotional core of her music.
At Parklive, expect a performance that balances two sides of Elaine’s artistry. Whether she’s drawing the crowd in with soulful melodies or infectious sing-along favourites, one thing is for sure: it will be one of the festival’s most memorable performances.
Nasty C
Nasty C has spent the past decade as one of South Africa’s biggest and most influential hip-hop artists. His discography combines rapid-fire verses with production that blends hip-hop, trap and Afrobeats, making him one of South Africa’s most versatile hip-hop artists.
Listen before you go: Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo), Switch, Strings and Bling on Spotify.
On stage, his ability to connect with audiences has made him a festival favourite. Nasty C knows exactly how to build momentum, effortlessly transitioning from introspective verses to fan favourites that keep festivals engaged from the first song to the last.
With a catalogue spanning more than a decade of hits, Nasty C’s Parklive performance is one that’s hard to overlook. You’ll hear a set that draws from every chapter of Nasty’s career, one that balances old favourites and recent releases.
TEEKS
TEEKS proves that the most memorable festival moments don’t always come from the loudest performances. The New Zealand singer is known for his rich, soulful voice, creating performances that feel deeply personal at every stage he steps onto. Every performance is anchored by expressive vocals and carefully crafted songs that draw audiences in.
Listen before you go: Oil & Water, Remember Me and Without You on Spotify.
It’s this focus on creating a deeply personal connection with the audience that gives TEEKS a unique place on the Parklive lineup. Rather than demanding attention, TEEKS draws listeners to every lyric and melody. His sense of intimacy is rare on a festival stage, which makes his set one that can’t be missed.
If you want a performance that stays long after the artist has left the stage, then TEEKS definitely offers that. This is an opportunity to experience one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed artists and form an emotional connection with the artist.
Matthew Mole
Matthew Mole’s mix of catchy melodies, memorable hooks and easygoing stage presence is perfectly suited for the afternoon’s festival crowd. With a catalogue of uplifting songs, Matthew Mole has built a reputation for feel-good live performances. His sets are filled with sing-alongs that create a live show that is as engaging as it is uplifting.
Listen before you go: Take Yours, I'll Take Mine, Run and In My Head on Spotify.
Watching Matthew Mole build a song live is part of what makes his performances so unique. With multiple instruments at his feet, he gradually builds every song from the ground up, giving audiences a glimpse into his craftsmanship behind every song. The result is a performance that’s as much about the creative process as the finished song.
Matthew Mole’s performance is a set that captures everything that makes him such a compelling festival performer. Few artists have a knack for creating the kind of atmosphere the festival crowds gravitate towards.
Rowlene
Fans of soulful R&B will want to make time for Rowlene’s set. Her songs explore love, heartbreak and self-discovery, while her performances deliver both emotional depth and undeniable appeal. Rowlene’s versatility continues to be one of the defining qualities of her music.
Listen before you go: SMA, Cupid and Hurts 2b Reminded on Spotify.
Collaborations with Nasty C have helped introduce Rowlene to a broader audience, but her solo releases have allowed her own voice and style to take centre stage. Through her solo music, Rowlene has developed a catalogue built on soulful melodies and emotional vulnerability. Rowlene lets her vocals do the heavy lifting, and every performance feels both polished and emotionally compelling.
Fans can look forward to a set that mixes soulful melodies and upbeat R&B songs that capture the heart of Rowlene’s music. Whether the mood is reflective or uplifting, Rowlene’s expressive voice is sure to keep audiences engaged.
Good Neighbours
If you’re in the mood for indie-pop with soaring choruses, then Good Neighbours is worth adding to your Parklive schedule. The British duo have built a loyal following with their combination of catchy melodies and choruses that are hard to shake. Their catalogue works just as well on festival stages as it does through headphones because of their mix of memorable hooks and elite storytelling.
Listen before you go: Home, Ripple and Keep It Up on Spotify.
For many listeners, Home was their introduction to Good Neighbours, but it’s only one chapter in the duo’s success story. Their debut album, Blue Sky Mentality proves to their fans that they are more than a viral success, expanding a sound shaped by lyricism and unforgettable hooks. Their songs are built for long drives and live festivals.
As one of this year’s international additions, Good Neighbours offers audiences a fresh take on indie-pop. The festival promises to be a sing-along mania, where every chorus feels designed to be sung back by the crowd.
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