Earl Sweatshirt rocked the hip-hop heads at Rocking the Daisies, delivering a set that reminded fans why he’s considered one of the most respected voices in the culture.

You can always tell the difference between a festival crowd looking for a vibe and a crowd that came specifically for the artist. Sunday( ka bo ma 1 AM guys), many wished the organisers had scheduled Earl right after Loatinover Pounds, when the main stage was at its peak with South African fans. Still, when Earl hit the stage, the energy shifted—he connected with the true hip-hop lovers who showed up just for him.

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In just an hour, he took the audience on a journey from his 2013 classics to his more recent 2025 work. Hearing tracks from Doris all the way to Live. Laugh. Long. felt like a time capsule, and he pulled it off effortlessly. Contrary to what some casual festival-goers might think, Earl wasn’t “rapping slow”—he was delivering layered, complex bars that only real heads could appreciate. Lines like “Crack ceramic and slap a hand out of cash account / Stamp and shoutin’, thrashin’, these niggas done let the kraken out…” left the crowd in awe, proving once again why Earl is GOATED.

It’s also worth noting: Earl Sweatshirt’s roots trace back to South Africa—he is Tswana, something many in the crowd might not have realised. That cultural connection made his first performance on South African soil feel even more historic.

While the turnout may not have been the biggest of the festival, those who were present knew they were witnessing something special. Earl himself seemed to appreciate the love, showing gratitude for the dedicated fans who rapped along.

Rocking the Daisies continues to bless South African music lovers with elite lineups and world-class talent, and Earl Sweatshirt’s performance will go down as one for the books. For the real hip-hop heads, this was a moment of history.