This is not just music – it’s rock and roll
One thing is for sure: the South African rock scene is alive and well.
Those who attended the Innibos rock show last night were treated to five of the country’s best acts, each bringing their unique sound, style and attitude to the kykNET NOU! stage.
The ever-stylish Manny Walters kicked off proceedings with his brand of garage soul-electric rhythm and blues. Not only is this man a machine on the electric guitar, but the raw soul of his vocals will leave you wanting more… and more. Well-known songs from his Anecdotes album such as “Joseph” and “The Baptist” show off his unique musicality, and he has recently recorded a video for his song
“Hear me now”. “We’re going to play you some soul music to get you feeling ‘jiggy’. We hope you feel it as much as we do,” he said to the crowd.
Albert Frost, undoubtedly the best blues guitarist in South Africa, took to the stage next, and showed off his deep register in songs like “Summer rain” and “Caroline”. At one point in the latter, Albert played his guitar with a violin bow, which had the crowd in rapturous applause. One thing this rocker does not lack is stage presence, which is testament to the fact that he has played on both the big stages at this year’s festival.
It was plain to see why Spoegwolf drew the crowds. The Paarl outfit’s brand of indie-style rock and unbelievable vocal harmonies in offerings such as “Lenie blou” and “Somersetwes” had festivalgoers bopping throughout the 45-minute set.
Afrikaans rap-electro band, Bittereinder, returned to Innibos in 2017 with what seemed like even more energy and attitude than last year. The well-oiled dinkdansmasjien comprising Jaco van der Merwe, Peach van Pletzen, and Louis Minnaar, and their multi-coloured attire upped the party mood several notches at the kykNET NOU! venue with fan favourites such as “Hartseer gangster” and “Ek is nog nie dood nie”.
Afrikaans-, English-, Greek- or Japanese-speaking – there is no denying that electronic band Die Heuwels Fantasties produces amazing sound and puts on a show to match. There were few youngsters in the crowd who didn’t know the words to “Beloofde land”, “Die skemer skema” or “Doodgewone aand”. Their brand-new release, “Bietjie hoop” brought a more chilled, South African vibe, and “Doen net wat ons wil”, the group’s collaboration with Riana Nel, was warmly received by the rock lovers.
