Giant band-fest to rock South Auckland

More than 8000 people are expected at a giant South Auckland music festival on Saturday.

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 at the Manukau Sportsbowl.

The six-hour show, from 1.30pm to 8pm, also features 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.

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 the event.

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 (who plays Tama Hudson on Shortland Street); reggae band Ina T; and human beatbox Justin Nanai.

Meleisea says the festival offers something for everyone from hip-hop to R&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 Meleisea.