Top SA acts set to rock the valley

The annual ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees will take place at Solms-Delta Wine Estate in Franschhoek this weekend.

Having debuted as a full-on musical day just five years ago, this popular event is a celebration of all the fruits of the labourers’ hard work and signifies the end of the harvest. It’s also a celebration of music and culture.

Every year, farm workers and owners unite to enjoy everything from ghoema to Afrikaans folk music, langarm, Cape jazz, vastrap and brass bands.

Local artists who make their way from the boland and winelands usually comprise most of the line-up at this outdoor festival. But this year you can expect to see the likes of Mango Groove, Radio Kalahari Orkes, Emo Adams, Tidal Waves and Die Heuwels Fantasties, among a host of traditional and more mainstream acts.

There will be more than 100 performers and if the past five years are any indication, this year could also be a sold-out affair, so act quickly if you want to attend.

There is also an emphasis on traditional food, and Kaapsekos is a treat for tourists and locals alike.

One of the people who brought the idea of the Oesfees to life is Mark Solms of Solms-Delta, who said: “In South Africa, we do not always do enough to show our appreciation to the workers of our country. This acknowledgement is the spark that ignited the Oesfees… and music (is) the catalyst for uniting people of all backgrounds in this day of celebration.

“Anyone with heart and soul cannot help but be moved by the outstanding and authentic music, rich cultural heritage and spirit of togetherness that pervade the valley during the Oesfees.”

A very cool component of the Oesfees is the Music van de Caab project, which is the brainchild of Springbok Nude Girls’ Adriaan Brand. The project showcases talent from pre-school level to seniors who live in the valley. The aim is to preserve and celebrate musical heritage and culture.

Every year, the audience grows into the thousands, with last year reaching sold-out status by noon.

• The ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees, at the Solms-Delta Wine Estate, on Saturday. Tickets: from R120 at www.ticketbreak. co.za, or R140 at the gate. Food, wine and beverages will be on sale at the event.

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