[Bam Bam Brown and The Wild Professors jamming it out at The House of Machines. PHOTO: Vanartist]
South African musician, Bam Bam Brown, has checked off a fair number of items on his personal and musical bucket list over the course of his career. Currently, he is most interested in environments and experiences from which he can extract his most authentic creative ideas.
[Francois Roux (left) and Storm Opperman (right). PHOTO: Supplied/The Stinging Rogers]
The Stinging Rogers emerged from Stellenbosch when high school friends Storm Opperman and Francois Roux began performing under the name in 2018. The pair’s latest single releases ‘Borderline’ and ‘Purgatory’ — 2021 and 2022 respectively — deliver skilful guitar work through dreamy verses and full-bodied choruses.
If you’re searching for the best music venues in Cape Town, you’re spoiled for choice. From rooftop sessions to underground beats, Cape Town’s live music scene is as diverse as its people. Whether you’re into indie, jazz, hip hop, or deep house, this city delivers—if you know where to look.
Here’s your definitive guide to the top 10 places to experience live music in Cape Town right now. Plus, some honourable mentions for when you want to explore even deeper.
[The boys from Champion Trees at Evol. PHOTO: Murray Williamson]
Champion Trees‘ debut album, Now 3000, is a diary of personal trials written with the frank honesty of an old friend. The 12 tracks are fleshed out with candid detail and explicitly local contexts, totalling a full-length 42 minutes. That’s an ambitious debut for an up-and-coming band, and something that’s rare in the single-focused streaming era. Released on 1 July, Now 3000 recounts adventures in self-doubt, restless romance, and losing days in the Cape Town suburbs.
[Angie oeh crowd surfing at Liefde By Die Dam 2022. PHOTO: Wayde Flowerday]
When talking about the Afrikaans rap scene, few are making waves like Angie oeh — the rebellious Pretoria-born mumble rapper. Angie has made it abundantly clear that she is coming to shake things up by releasing songs like “Big Booty Bitch”, rocking tank tops, bleached hair, and some stylish face tattoos. We spoke to her about where she draws inspiration from, her views on fashion, and even which of her lyrics she loves most.
Internet Girl is the product of a generation raised online. This unique group wears these digital roots on their sleeves — when they’re wearing any at all. Internet Girl’s appearance and sound may not be easily describable, but their overall vibe is unmistakable — slick, coherent, and undeniably fresh.
An innate storytelling ability and effortless delivery over organic instrumentals are the hallmarks of Cape Town-based rapper Luukhanyo. The anticipation for his upcoming project is undeniable after listening to his latest single, ‘Hii ROLLER’, so we took a look at the man behind the music to learn more about him and how he got here.
Enchanting vocals, effortless style and fearlessness — are a few words that come to mind when trying to describe the Cape Town-based singer-songwriter, Luh’ra. Since breaking into the local indie music scene in 2017, Luh’ra has been an unstoppable force in more ways than one.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing Cape Town’s local band Face Jackson perform live, you’ll know that their brilliant instrumentals, great vocals, and overall groovy vibe make this band an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the release of their self-titled debut EP on 24 September, this same experience is now available to you, in the comfort of your home.
With his long unshorn hair and calm demeanour, Josh O’Bree, originally from Port Elizabeth, entered the Cape Town live music scene like a zen saviour. His brand, Foulplay, is playing a major role in the revival of the iconic local live music scene that institutions such as Mercury Live and The Assembly once championed. We sat down with him to talk about his upbringing, Foulplay journey and challenges, his passions, and his future plans.
