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.
Australian prog-metal outfit Caligula’s Horse will be hitting Stellenbosch and Johannesburg this weekend as part of their international 2024 tour. Long-time locals Deity’s Muse will be supporting them at both shows, alongside other heavy South African acts Megalodon, Sunken State, and New Earth. We spoke with Jim Grey of Caligula’s Horse and Wayne Boucher of Deity’s Muse to put a spotlight on the bands and the always-dedicated local metal scene.
This Saturday, Glastonfurry will be putting on a day of multi-genre music performances in support of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Hosted in The Armchair Theatre in Observatory, this will be the second charity festival run under the Glastonfurry name.
From Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, emerges The Joy, an a cappella group that has captured hearts globally with their soulful harmonies and rich cultural roots. The five members — Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole), and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo) — came together during a choir practice at Sikhethuxolo High School. We spoke to the band last Friday, the release day of their new self-titled album.
MaxX & Love are set to captivate blues enthusiasts with their latest release, These Blues Might Get You Too. In support of their album launch, MaxX Monticoe (guitar) and Sechaba Ramphele (vocals) will be hitting venues around the Cape, starting with Harringtons on Thursday, 20 June.
Doors opened at 8 PM, and by 8:10, I was contemplating my options: stay at home or venture out solo to the Fokofpolisiekar show at Foul Play. The allure of live music won, and I found myself at the venue by 8:25, beer in hand, watching a diverse crowd filter into the dimly lit space. This was my first live show in Cape Town, and attending alone made me a bit apprehensive.
For South African singer-songwriter and producer Qü, music has always been about honest expression and human connection. With his new solo album Reprise on 2nd Avenue and an upcoming run of Cape Town shows, he’s inviting audiences to experience the emotion and warmth of his alternative R&B sound.
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.
