Oppikoppi, which takes places in Northam from August 7 to 9, turns 21 this year. In some cultures, the 21st birthday represents a rite of passage. Certain ceremonies even see the celebrant given a key to symbolise the unlocking of the next phase of their life: adulthood.
Dubbed Oppikoppi 21: The Fantastic Mr Vos Vos, this music festival can officially be deemed an adult. After all, everything is done on a much bigger scale this year. Not only are there four tented hotels to stay in if you don’t want to rough it, now the festival’s costume (and naked) run is officially a tradition.
As usual, there will be a South African music legend who is honoured. This year, Johnny Clegg is the main man. Elsewhere, there will be genre bending courtesy of Robert Frost, Toya Delazy and Lee Thomson. That’s in addition to a world-class line-up that includes Gogol Bordello (US), Twin Atlantic (Scotland), Livingston (UK), The Curious Incident (UK), Brand New (US) and Tatran (Israel) representing the international acts.
Local giants and newbies alike will also grace the six stages. They include Francois van Coke, Desmond and the Tutus, BCUC, Karen Zoid, Nomadic Orchestra, AKA, Nonku Phiri, Tweak (for the first time in a decade), PHFat, Kid X, Shortstraw, Laurie Levine and Josie Field and many more.
The 21st year of Oppikoppi promises to be a weekend to remember. Monday is a public holiday which means you’ll have plenty of time to recover or wallow in regret. Oh, and if you were wondering why it’s sub-titled The Fantastic Mr Vos Vos, the Oppikoppi team say: “The theme for this year’s festival is, of course, linked one part to the book by Roald Dahl and also the hooligan friend of the family whom we’ve run into at several cash bars in a row. When you find him, hug him.”
Good luck.
l Oppikoppi takes place in Northam, Limpopo from August 7 to 9. Book at plankton.mobi.