I actually can’t remember when last I had this good a time at a festival. Like 100% a really, really good time. As per usual, there were far too many things to see and too little time to see them all in!
This year I decided (very importantly) to take way less photos – maximum 5 photos per band and only during the first song so I had the entire show to focus on. But I also had to be able to document and post them onto social media immediately because I’m pedantic like that – it also helped with friends knowing exactly where I was throughout the festival. Clever me. Also, I’m not sure what Oppikoppi did differently this year, but my internet speed was epic! Props definitely need to be given for that.
I arrived at 5pm on Thursday (later than I expected), and had already missed a few bands, including Black Math (young band from Durban), which obviously everyone proceeded to tell me how I had missed one of the best performances of the festival. Dammit.
I started off watching Dead Lucky who kicked ass! From there I watched Squeal. Now this was one of the bands that I grew up on. Our Grunge band! Our answer to Nirvana. Even after all these years, Dave Birch’s voice still sounded the same and I remembered all the words to the songs. It was such a nostalgic moment and really set the tone of the festival for me. Later on we were treated to other great performances from big ‘90s bands Wonderboom, Springbok Nude Girls and Urban Creep. Side note: it would have been awesome to have Sugardrive on the line-up to round off that collection of ‘90s pioneers, but who knows, maybe next year?
I listened to some Boargazm while getting some food – full on solid metal act! I then moved to the Red Bull stage and got to see a bit of DJ Doowap, who is the whole package, before ending off my night with the brilliant Bittereinder who had a fresh-to-death set.
Performances throughout Friday were really good, although this was the day I missed out on HHP and Willy Mason, which was a huge downer for me. Van Coke Kartel and Zebra & Giraffe were super great and had full crowds at Wesley’s Dome but the band of the night and one of the top at the festival was PHfat. From the Red Bull Stage to a headlining act, how far they’ve come!
Saturday morning started with watching KilKil from Reunion Island, a solidly good punk rock band with a super strong lady representing on bass!
I then moved on to go and watch BCUC. Now, I honestly don’t know where the hell I’ve been and how I have missed this band. BUT THEY BLEW ME AWAY! Goosebumps. To me, this epitomizes what a festival is all about, finding that one band you’ve never heard of, and they rock your face off!
Hugh Masakela was beautiful and there is definitely something very special about watching a band at Oppikoppi with the sun setting. aKING was also excellent and showcased some of their new songs which I’m super excited to hear, it’s been too long. The Insepctor Cluzo from France was such good, pure rock ‘n’ roll, whilst Aloe Blacc was brilliant! He’s such an entertainer with a super sexy voice and moves to match.
The next band on was Editors. I had watched them about 12 years ago at a music festival in Belgium. I actually caught a lift in their van to Pukkelpop festival (I didn’t have a clue who they were at the time). I completely fell in love with them over the years and even have the lyrics “Keep A Light On Those You Love” from their song “The Weight of the World” tattooed on my arm. I was lucky enough to have my groupie moment by introducing them onto stage. And they didn’t disappoint. Lead singer, Tom Smith has the most powerful voice and doesn’t miss a note. They’re not the type of band you rock out to. They’re the type of band you listen to and watch and appreciate. Because they’re such a beautiful band.
Rival Sons rocked us hard and then Wolfmother rocked us harder. Bassist and keyboardist, Ian Peres blew me away with his jumping skills and being able to hit the right chords. I left wanting to stay and will forever hold this Oppikoppi in my heart!
Oppikoppi Odyssey, you were a beautiful thing!
