The local line-up at OppiKoppi is a pretty good mix of big name bands and yet to be discovered smaller tallents. But there are some of the headliners that I am particularly amped to see. Here is why...
WONDERBOOM
Thursday
00:00 James Philips Stage
Wonderboom is simply one of those legendary bands that I cannot get enough of. In the recent past I have only been able to se them on small stages at festivals or even smaller gigs in town but this time around I know we are in for something special as they hit the James Philips stage head on!
BITTEREINDER
Thursday
01:00 Wesley's Dome
This trio has been working hard on a bitter-nuwe album and will be performing some of the new tracks live for the first time! They are also joined on stage by the one and only Hemelbesem who is hands down my favorite hip hop artist in the country.
VAN COKE KARTEL
Friday
22:00 Wesley's Dome
Van Coke Kartel has been taking it slow on the gig front after the release of their latest album, limiting their shows to only a few big shows thus far this year. Compared to last year’s 30 odd shows I attended of them, I have only been to 2 major VCK gigs in 2014. They guys are clearly hungered out to perform and this promises to be one of those balls to the wall performances we have come to love!
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
Friday
23:00James Philips Stage
The nudies are also one of those evergreen bands that are every bit as relevant today as they where 20 years ago. They have been scaling down on shows and I have only had the privilege to see them twice in my life. Once as the opening act for U2 and then again this year at Up the Creek. They have come under a lot of scrutiny for their lackluster performance at UTC this year so they will seriously have to pull out the big guns to impress critics at kopi.
VALIANT SWART
Saturday
0:00 Ray Ban Top Stage
Valiant closes off kopi in the same modest little bar it all started with 20 years ago. We are still to find out who his “friends” are that will be joining him but make no mistake, Valiant will not disappoint. He has hinted that it might be the likes of Basson Laubscher and Albert Frost but there are a number of culprits that will be receiving some calls this week from the Mystic Boer.
Then there are the smaller acts that you simply can not miss!
DEAD LUCKY
Thursday
19:00 Wesley's Dome
These Cape Town rockers are loud, grungy and unapologetic. The only way rock n roll must be served! I mostly look forward to see Jean “Middelvinger” in action again after Goodnight Wembley split earlier this year.
FAKE LEATHER BLUES BAND
Friday
00:00 Ray Ban Top Stage
Don’t let their name fool you because these are the most real guys you will come across all weekend. For FLB it’s all about having fun and making some awesome music while doing so! Rumor has it they have been working on some new tunes and hopefully we will get to see old favorites like “The Fake Leather Disco Band” and “The Fake Leather Reggae Band” make some guest appearances.
JONATHAN PEYPER
Saturday
11:00 Wesley's Dome
Jonathan is on the fast track to becoming on of SA’s leading guitarists and kopi marks the official launch of his debut album. He delivers a soulful and awe-inspiring set and is accompanied by one of the best rhythm sections in the country, Jason Hinch and Chris van der Walt.
LUCY KRUGER
Saturday
14:00 Ray Ban Top Stage
Lucy is certainly one of the most underrated musicians our country has seen in years. Her music is dark and mysterious yet she is the kindest soul you will come across. Talented far beyond her years, she should be top of your “must see” list!
