Feb 19, 2024
South African Music Extravaganza
One of the Biggest Music Festivals in South Africa
One of the biggest music festivals in south africa, this jazz event celebrates one of the oldest musical genres. For a couple of days, Cape Town transforms into a playground of musical exploration with local and international artists.
The festival not only features great tunes but also valuable experiences like panel sessions for social change, a unique marketplace, and even a battle of the bands event!
1. Cape Town Jazz Festival
The southwestern tip of Africa draws jazz lovers from across South Africa and the globe each March for a festival that, like most on the continent, has an unusually generous definition of what qualifies as ‘jazz’. As a result, the lineup often includes genres like world music, R&B and hip-hop.
One highlight of this year’s festival was a tribute to the late Hugh Masekela that featured a coterie of his contemporaries alongside a tumultuous crowd. Current President Cyril Ramaphosa and culture minister Nathi Mthethwa were among those in attendance, and the band performed all of Masekela’s hits, including Grazing in the Grass, Bring Him Back Home and Puffin’ on Down the Track.
A sultry performance by the singer Lira on Day 2 was also a highlight. She was dressed in a colorful long dress and instantly heated up the stage with her Pop, R&B and Jazzy numbers. Her voice and style is pure magic. She deserves to be a big star.
2. Oppikoppi Bushveld Music Festival
This bushveld bivouac has become a national music phenomenon. It is responsible for jump-starting the careers of hundreds of South African musicians. Its stunning production and four days of tunes has transformed it into an unapologetic apogee of musical hedonism for thousands of music lovers nationwide.
Taking its name from the Afrikaans phrase “op die koppie” or “on the hill”, the festival has been rocking the socks off of 20 000 music hungry campers since 1994. The wild dust, thorn trees and harsh landscape make it one of the most unique festivals around.
This year the line-up includes many talented local acts, as well as the world famous drum and bass artist Niskerone. Joey Badass, whose new album All-American KKKAN BADASS showcases his deft lyricism is another highlight of this year’s event.
3. Rocking the Daisies
Rocking the Daisies is a festival for hip-hop heads. It’s a place where dreadlocked rappers puff on fat home rolled joints and DJs blare hypnotic melodies and thumping beats. It’s like a small, innocent town where everyone knows their neighbors and camaraderie is as ubiquitous as weed smoke.
The festival takes place at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling, Western Cape. It’s a family-friendly event and the organizers make it a point to promote sustainability. They encourage visitors to use solar energy and reduce water consumption. They also offer recycling programs and other green initiatives.
The 2023 lineup includes international acts such as Stormzy and JID. The Cape Town leg of the festival runs from 17-19 November and the Johannesburg leg, a one-day event, will take place on November 19. The lineup includes several local hip-hop artists such as Thato Saul, Dee Koala, K.Keed, and Yolophonik. It also features music industry powerhouses such as Dreamville artist and 4-time grammy winner Bas and the unstoppable collective led by Denzel Curry known as The Fiends.
4. Ultra
The ULTRA Music Festival is one of the biggest festivals in South Africa and features some of the world’s best electronic dance music artists. The festival’s lineup is comprised of both local and international acts, and it spans a wide variety of musical genres, including techno, house, and trance.
The festival’s lineup for its 2024 Cape Town and Johannesburg events has been announced, with global superstars like Skrillex, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Vintage Culture, and W&W headlining the event. Local favorite’s Major League DJz and Shimza are also set to perform.
As an outdoor celebration, it’s important to prepare for the weather by wearing light clothing and packing sun protection. In addition, attendees are encouraged to use the designated parking and drop-off areas to avoid traffic and congestion. It’s also recommended to bring a water bottle and use the many water stations on-site.
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