"This is the best night of my life,'' Khalifa hollered at his hysterical audience, later tweeting about his delight at the response.
Festival-goers enjoyed a more relaxed start to the evening's festivities with shows including Kiwi acts Tahuna Breaks and Tomorrow People.
Tahuna Breaks has played at R&V before, but this is the first year they have played the main stage.
Guitarist and vocalist for the six-piece band Marty Greentree says the call-up to main stage was a real highlight.
"It's awesome, this is what we love to do - hopefully we can just keep on doing it,'' Mr Greentree said.
Tahuna Breaks took their reggae, soul and electro-funk sound with them on a 7am flight to Wanaka this morning to play Rhythm and Alps.
Tomorrow People have played in Gisborne before, but never at R&V. Tana Tupai, who plays lead keys for the seven-piece group, says the opportunity was great.
"To be playing here is awesome. We love coming to Gisborne because people here don't just enjoy reggae music, they love reggae music.
"It is beautiful here and we're just excited,'' Mr Tupai said.
Both acts had crowds on their feet during their hour-long sets.
