an 'Off the Wall' recap: Celebrating skate culture, music, and fashion with House of Vans

The House of Vans is more than just an event—it's an entire cultural experience that combines the grit and creativity of skateboarding with the soulful beats of live music and the undeniable power of fashion. As the 3-day weekend unfolded, attendees were treated to a whirlwind of energy, artistry, and the kind of unity that only these worlds can create. From exhilarating skate tricks to electrifying musical performances, this year’s House of Vans was one for the books. Let’s take a look back at what made this weekend so special.

Day One: Where Skate Meets Artistry

Walking into the House of Vans venue on Day One was like stepping into a vibrant skater's playground, where the energy buzzed in the air, and creativity hung like an electric current. Everywhere you looked, there were skaters pushing their limits, stylish attendees flaunting their best looks, and artful expressions popping up at every corner.

Play Braam, the star of the day, absolutely stole the show, blending skating with stunning artistic performances that captured the essence of this creative space. It was a perfect representation of the event itself: daring, colourful, and full of life.

The venue spanned multiple levels, each designed to immerse guests in something unique. From the serene Senderwood Beach area—where attendees relaxed under the warm sun—to the mesmerizing tunnel lined with striking imagery and tattoos, the space was truly a feast for the senses. The outside stage set the tone for the musical experiences to come, drawing crowds as the music pulsed through the venue.

The Music: A Journey Through Sound

The night kicked off with a performance by FilahLahLah, whose commanding presence on stage instantly captured the crowd's attention. With a voice that resonated through the venue, she infused her performance with a powerful feminine energy that kept the audience swaying and singing along. Her set was an anthem of empowerment, a beautiful reminder of the strength of artistic expression.

Next up was K Keed, a rising star in the hip-hop scene. Known for their collaboration with Dee Koala, K Keed was ready to prove they could hold their own. And hold their own they did—unleashing head-bopping beats and slick lyrics that whipped the crowd into a frenzy. There was no denying it: K Keed’s performance was a testament to their raw talent and undeniable presence in the rap game.

The energy only intensified with Bylwansta, who brought an uplifting blend of introspective lyrics, love, success, and balance to the stage. The crowd was drawn into his personal journey, connecting with his stories in a way that transformed the performance from a concert into a shared experience. His music didn’t just play—it spoke directly to the soul. - Watch ByLwansta x House of Vans JHB 2024 for a more inclusive look behind the performance.

As Day One came to a close, it was clear that House of Vans was more than just an event—it was a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. The acts, the crowd, the atmosphere—it all felt like a beautiful moment frozen in time, and the promise of what lay ahead for Day Two left everyone buzzing with excitement.

Day Two: A Celebration Under the African Sun

When the sun rose on Day Two, it wasn’t just the weather that was heating up—so was the energy. The air was filled with anticipation as festivalgoers sipped on cool drinks and indulged in a delicious variety of food. The stage was set for another unforgettable day of music, skateboarding, and culture.

Skateboarding: The Art of Risk and Reward

Day Two reached its first peak during an epic skate competition, where talented skaters launched themselves off ramps, defying gravity with jaw-dropping tricks and flips. Every jump, every fall was met with admiration. Skaters gave it their all, and the crowd cheered them on with relentless enthusiasm. In the world of skateboarding, it's all about pushing your limits—and the competitors did just that, proving that the House of Vans is a space that truly celebrates boldness.

The Music: A Melodic Journey

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the musical performances took centre stage. 21 Children kicked things off with a fiery blend of rock and African rhythms, getting the crowd moving with their infectious energy. Hands were raised, feet were stomping, and the whole venue became one beating heart.

Then, Internet Girl took over, bringing a wave of South African pride with their hit song “Pull Up (Where the Mud Is).” The crowd erupted into a frenzy of jumping, dancing, and pure joy as the music surged. It was a moment of celebration, with everyone feeling the power of connection through music.

Muzi was next, and his unique fusion of electronic beats with traditional maskanda took the crowd on a mesmerizing journey. His sound was fresh, innovative, and undeniably South African. The entire venue danced together as one, lost in the rhythm, celebrating the diverse musical influences that shape modern African culture.

Then came the highlight of the evening: Little Simz. Stepping onto the stage with confidence and swagger, she immediately electrified the crowd. Her maroon jacket and shades were the perfect match for her magnetic stage presence. As she performed, the crowd rapped along passionately—especially when the beat dropped for “Fever,” and she leapt into the audience. The energy was nothing short of electric, and when “Gorilla” blasted through the speakers, it was clear that Little Simz had solidified her place as a powerhouse in the rap world.

The Party Continues with Uncle PartyTime

To close out the night, Uncle PartyTime took over the decks, and the entire venue transformed into a high-energy dance party. The crowd was swept up in the rhythm, caught in the pulse of the music. We caught up with Uncle PartyTime, who shared his thoughts on the House of Vans experience:

• Q: Tell us about your Off the Wall experience.

• UPT: "My Off the Wall experience has been beautiful. It's like a flashback to the last House of Vans. I see the Mandela Bridge, and it just takes me back to where Uncle PartyTime was born. This is a special thing happening here. Shout out to Vans and The Bread for putting this together!"

• Q: What's next for Uncle PartyTime?

• UPT: "A lot of exciting things are coming! Beautiful, life-changing things for me and everyone who supports me."

• Q: Why do you think Vans decided to return to SA?

• UPT: "Vans should be here all the time. The culture needs them!"

A Festival Like No Other

As Day Two came to an end, the House of Vans had once again proven its ability to bring people together through the unifying power of skateboarding, music, and creativity. The festival was a vivid reflection of the culture Vans represents bold, inclusive, and free-spirited. It was a place where boundaries were pushed, creativity was celebrated, and every moment was an expression of individuality.

With the grand finale still to come, it's clear that the House of Vans isn't just an event—it's a cultural movement. From the stages to the ramps, from the music to the fashion, every aspect of the festival embodied what Vans is all about: doing what you love, unapologetically and with style. It was truly a musical jungle filled with what Vans is. Vans is the epitome of culture and the grand lives what it represents. They do what they want and what they like, the watch no face, and they do not fear nobody. 

Day Three: An 'Off the Wall' closing

The final day of House of Vans in Johannesburg wrapped up the three-day festival with an unforgettable celebration of skate culture, music, and style.

lordkez stole the spotlight, performing fresh off her win at the SAMAs for R&B/Soul Album of the Year. Her soulful set was the day's highlight, with the crowd celebrating her talent and achievement in full force.

The energy continued to build with standout performances from Marcus Harvey and Spontaneous, culminating in an epic closing set by Ebumnandini & Broke Boys.

As the festival came to a close, it was clear that House of Vans had once again left an indelible mark on Johannesburg. The energy, unity, and celebration of individuality made this final day a perfect conclusion to a festival like no other.