The South African cultural landscape is in the midst of a seismic shift as Afrikalt, an alternative Afrikaans music and art collective, continues its much-anticipated “Paarl to Pretoria” tour. Kicking off on 29 August 2024, this tour has already set the stage for a groundbreaking celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant undercurrents of the Afrikaans-speaking community.
As the Folklore Festival returns for its third year, this dynamic celebration of culture and heritage promises to be more immersive and intimate than ever before. Set across three cities over 30 days, this year’s festival is not just about revisiting the past; it’s about shaping the future through the art of storytelling, as South Africa commemorates 30 years of freedom.
Cape Town’s rising star, Alex Biaya, continues to expand his sonic landscape with the release of his latest single, Midnight Serenade. Released on 23 August, the track marks a pivotal moment in Biaya’s journey as an artist, showcasing his versatility while remaining deeply rooted in his signature emotive style.
In an inspiring display of community and friendship, a group of talented Cape Town musicians is banding together for a very special cause. They aim to help their friend, Ofure “Fuf” Omere-Kessi, fulfil his lifelong dream of earning his first-degree black belt in Karate in Tokyo, Japan. This musical event, Safe City Volume 2, not only showcases local talents but also serves a noble purpose.
Cape Town-based artist Alex Biaya, formerly known as L’X, is captivating listeners with his latest release, “Winter’s Near.” Dropped on 22 March 2024, the song marks a new chapter in Biaya’s artistic journey, showcasing a poignant blend of cultural influences and introspective lyricism.
Cape Town’s music scene thrives on diversity, and Luzelle is a prime example. This genre-bending vocalist and guitarist isn’t afraid to surprise audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Weaving English and Afrikaans lyrics with folk-rock influences, Luzelle carves her own path, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Karen Zoid and Freshlyground.
Odwa Bongo isn’t your average performer. This Cape Town-based vocalist and uHadi player isn’t just creating music; he’s weaving tapestries of emotion, aiming to heal and connect with his audiences through the deeply emotive power of his craft. Blending contemporary sounds with the rich traditions of isiXhosa music, Bongo’s powerful vocals and the resonating rhythms of the uHadi create a space for exploration, urging listeners to confront their feelings and embrace the journey of healing.
In the ever-pulsating heart of Cape Town’s music scene, a band is making waves with their high-octane live shows and ever-evolving sound. Metro Villa, the city’s answer to The Hives, brings a head-banging energy that’s both infectious and exhilarating. We recently caught up with Cam (lead singer) and Dan (guitarist), the driving force behind Metro Villa, to delve into their musical journey, their electrifying performance at Big Little Concepts, and what the future holds for these rising stars.
In the heart of Cape Town’s pulsating music scene lies a collective of extraordinary talent, each member a luminary in their own right, collectively known as Kujenga. As a beacon of Afrojazz brilliance, Kujenga isn’t just a band; they’re architects of sonic landscapes, builders of soul-stirring melodies, and creators of unforgettable musical experiences. In our quest to delve deeper into the essence of South Africa’s musical tapestry, Let’s Get Local had the privilege to sit down with Zwide Ndwandwe, the bassist extraordinaire of Kujenga, to unravel the threads of his journey and the soulful resonance that defines the band’s sound.
LUUKHANYO, the name synonymous with smooth melodies, infectious grooves, and introspective lyricism, isn’t just a rising star in the South African music scene — he’s a captivating force who recently lit up the Big Little Concepts (BLC) stage with his band, The Hii ROLLERS. Their stripped-down performance, now available in all its glory on the BLC YouTube channel, is a testament to LUUKHANYO‘s unique sound, seamlessly blending contemporary RnB, hip-hop, funk, and jazz. This Cape Town-based artist’s music resonates with a soulful authenticity, capturing the essence of everyday experiences while infusing them with playful energy and thoughtful messages.
