Oppikoppi pays tribute to Mahlasela

Oppikoppi is well on its way to attracting 20 000 people this year. In fact ticket sales are going so well that there is a real risk that there may not be tickets at the gate. The annual rock festival has increased the number of stages to six. There is the Skellum Stage, Wesley’s Dome, James Phillips, Bruilof, the Klein Bar and the Red Bull Stage which will be where the dance and electronica music take place.

This year the festival is honouring Vusi Mahlasela and his 20 years in the industry. Joining him on stage will be Karen Zoid and Valiant Swart among others. A definite highlight.

The line-up this year is the strongest they have had in years. The big international acts are Bullet for my Valentine and Seether.

This is the first time that Seether will be performing in SA since 2008 and My Cokefest. Lead singer Shaun Morgan has apparently cleaned up his act and the power trio will definitely be a highlight. At My Cokefest all those years back the only band that were slightly better than Seether were the gods of rock, Metallica.

In terms of new bands, look out for The Muffinz whose easy flowing soul rock is the talk of the town at the moment.

For an intensely emotional experience, solo artist Brendan Shields is the right person for the job. Hip hop is represented by the amazing AKA and I shall be at the front of that stage. Eye candy will be supplied by Son of a 1000 who are also very talented musicians.

Valiant Swart is always a favourite at Oppikoppi as is Fokofpolisiekar, Karen Zoid and Albert Frost.

Look out for some revolutionary and witty lyrics from The Brother Moves On and young pop from the girl of the moment, Toya Delazy. Southern Gypsey Queen will provide all the blues punk you need while another Oppikoppi favourite, Tidal Waves, will chant down with their unique reggae rock.

There is much hype about a newcomer to Oppikoppi, Shotgun Tori, as well as Durban-based Fruit & Veggies.

On the dance side Oskido makes a rare appearance at Oppikoppi.

Cape Town electronica is ably represented by Mr Sakitumi & Grrrl, Mix n Blend, PH Fat, Pascal and Pearce, Sibot and Haezer.

And finally, judging from the success of his latest album and how good the album is, Jack Parow will rule Oppikoppi this year.

The theme this year is Sweet/Thing and was inspired by a Van Morrison song covered by The Waterboys.

Fine artist Gavin Rain, famous for his hand-painted but somehow tech-driven photos of people, was commissioned by Oppikoppi to come up with an image.

Sponsors are Jose Cuervo, MK, Standard Bank and Vice.

• Oppikoppi takes place from August 9-11. For more info go to sweetthing@oppikoppi.co.za