On a crisp Wednesday, 10 September, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens were awash with spring warmth, pulsing music, laughter, and that unmistakable student buzz. Lentedag 2025 was more than just a concert – it was a homecoming, a declaration of energy, and a reminder that student culture lives loudly in Pretoria. For a long time, Lentedag has been a staple on many students’ calendars. According to its organisers, this year marked the festival’s 23rd year and saw “one of the biggest line-ups” across the four stages. Festival-goers could wander from the main bar to themed zones, participate in games, sample treats from food stalls, or simply soak in the sunshine and the music.
A Full Circle Moment for Ben Rodrigues
For headline artist Ben Rodrigues, performing at Lentedag was more than just another gig – it was a profound milestone. Reflecting on his journey, Rodrigues shared, “Last year, the first ever time that I stepped foot on stage was at Lentedag 2024. Neon Dreams brought me out for my one and only song, “Was It Real?”, and yeah, it was just an amazing experience. So, being able to be back here, headlining the event one year later, is just truly incredible and it’s God’s work.”
Ben’s connection with the student crowd is evident in his approach to performing. He emphasised the importance of reading the room: “Student crowds are definitely my favourite. Everyone’s there to have a good time… You can’t go into the show knowing exactly what you’re doing. Sometimes we think it’s going to be dead, but then everyone’s just jolling. You kind of have to be like water and just be able to adapt.”
One of the highlights of Ben’s set was a clever musical surprise. His guitarist discovered that the song “Kaptein” shares the same key and chords as “Mr. Brightside”, leading to a fan-favourite mashup affectionately dubbed as “Mr. Kaptein”. Rodrigues described it as “[his] favourite part” of the show, a moment that perfectly captured the playful and interactive spirit of Lentedag.
Supporting Rodrigues on and off stage was Talisha Grobler, Ben’s girlfriend, whose pride and joy in his success shone through. “It means the world. I see everything from start to finish. Sometimes I help out if I think something could be better. I’m just really proud of him and happy to see people love him as much as I love him,” she said warmly.
Grobler also praised the overall vibe of Lentedag, describing it as “insane” in the best way possible. “I love the vibe. I love the people. It’s such a good crowd. I’m so happy we were able to come here and be here. It’s so cool, guys.”
Zaan Sonnekus: Speed, Chaos, and Student Energy
Another standout performer, Zaan Sonnekus, has been a Lentedag attendee for years before he finally took to the stage this year. “I’ve been at every single Lentedag, attending in the crowd… I’ve always been so jealous of everyone that’s performed here. It’s literally one of the biggest honours,” he said.
Sonnekus’s description of the student crowd was vivid and heartfelt: “Students are so wild. Whatever you tell them to do, they do. If you tell them to take off their shirts, they take off their shirts. If you tell them to jump, they jump. The lekker thing about students is the gees. No one cares what anyone thinks about you. It’s just let’s have a good time.”
One memorable moment from his set was performing “By Jou” while running around the stage and even climbing onto a container at the back, much to the crowd’s surprise and delight. “The reaction of everyone being like “what is he doing?” – that was amazing,” Sonnekus recalled. He also shared a humorous anecdote about fans urging him to take his shirt off, which he eventually did, sparking wild cheers.
When asked about the Pretoria crowd compared to other cities, Sonnekus was unequivocal: “Pretoria is the best… The gees is the craziest in Pretoria every single time. It’s so underrated and the people are so amazing.”
Spoegwolf: Pretoria’s Festival Mainstays
The band Spoegwolf, veterans on the Lentedag stage, echoed the sentiment that Pretoria holds a special place in their hearts. “This is one of the oldest ones we’ve been coming to for many years… it’s really a hallmark of Gauteng festival shows for us,” said one band member.
They noted that Lentedag was their first proper festival in Pretoria, highlighting the event’s diversity and quality. Their set featured crowd favourites like “Bittermaan”, which had the audience singing along passionately, and “Slapende Honde”, where the band’s energetic jumping was met with enthusiasm.
Describing their set in three words, Spoegwolf chose “crazy” and “very, very loud”, perfectly capturing the raw energy they bring to the stage.
Voices from the Crowd: International and Local Perspectives
Lentedag’s appeal extends beyond Pretoria’s borders. Caitlin Horton travelled all the way from the UK to experience the festival firsthand. “This was my first time at Lentedag… I would say it’s both a music festival and a social event. You can’t really go to a music festival without socialising,” she explained. Horton’s highlight was singing a One Direction song with Ben Rodrigues, a moment she described as “great”. Her advice to first-timers was practical: “Bring sunblock. You will get burnt.”
Evgenia Martalas, a student from the University of the Witwatersrand, also shared her perspective. “This is the main student event that I’ve gone to… having a really good group just makes the day 10 times better,” she said. Martalas likened Lentedag to a “South African Coachella”, praising the stylish outfits and vibrant atmosphere. Her highlight was the Electronic Forest, a unique setup that added to the festival’s eclectic vibe. She emphasised the importance of hydration, reminding attendees, “It may not seem hot, but it’s hot. Please drink your water, guys.”
Lentedag 2025 was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of student life, culture, and community. The event offered a rich tapestry of experiences, from energetic performances and interactive moments to socialising and enjoying the beautiful spring weather in the Botanical Gardens.
Lentedag is not just a festival. It is a mirror to what makes student life here electric. It is youth expressed loudly, imperfectly, and joyfully. On 10 September, the Botanical Gardens were not just green and beautiful – they were alive, resonant. The music was not just played – it was breathed in by every student dancing and every artist wishing for more.
Pretoria, you showed up, and you made Lentedag 2025 not just another stop, but also a wonderful memory.
