Durban showed up and showed out as Smirnoff ICE brought the flavour, the energy, and the culture to Bantu Time this past weekend. Hosted at Dropkick Murphy’s on the iconic Florida Road strip, the event delivered an electric night that celebrated music, youth culture, and the unmistakable spirit of the city.

From the moment doors opened, Bantu Time transformed the venue into a vibrant cultural playground, where Durban’s tastemakers, creatives, and music lovers came together for an unforgettable experience. The dancefloor stayed packed as a dynamic lineup of DJs including DJ Meech, DJ Señor, Panamerrah, DJ Wobbly, Jnr Richi, TamiTheUnknown, and Motion x Cam White kept the energy high well into the night.

Live performances from Indie Vogue, Dusse Wavy, and Nangu Envy added another layer to the experience, bringing raw talent and undeniable stage presence that had the crowd fully locked in.

At the centre of it all, Smirnoff ICE delivered an immersive brand experience that seamlessly blended into the rhythm of the day. The brand’s activation zone became a key touchpoint, drawing in guests to engage, connect, and enjoy its bold flavour range, from Berry Twist and Pine Twist to Guarana. The space wasn’t just about refreshment; it was about creating a vibe where every interaction felt like part of the moment.

Music, one of Smirnoff ICE’s core passion points took centre stage, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting platforms that celebrate both established and emerging talent. Bantu Time proved to be exactly that: a space where culture lives, evolves, and is shared collectively.

“Bantu Time is a true reflection of Durban’s creative pulse,” says Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencer & Advocacy, Diageo South, West & Central Africa. “As Smirnoff ICE, we are proud to partner with platforms that give young creatives a stage and bring people together through music and shared experiences. The turnout, the energy, and the connection we saw on the ground is exactly why we continue to invest in spaces like this.”

With Florida Road buzzing and the city alive long after the music stopped, Bantu Time has firmly positioned itself as one of Durban’s must-attend cultural moments  and with Smirnoff ICE in the mix, it’s clear that the vibe is only getting bigger.

Consumers can keep the vibes alive by grabbing the new Smirnoff ICE packs at leading retailers nationwide, including Makro, Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay, and Takealot. For more information on where the brand will show up next, stay tuned to our Instagram @SmirnoffSA.