Feature Opinion

Top 10 Events Of 2017

Promoters really stepped their game up in 2017 with an influx of relevant and legacy international acts gracing stages across the country. And while more than a few established bands called time on their careers, up-and-coming acts shone on smaller stages. So, in no particular order, here are our picks for the best events of this last year.

1. Red Bull Culture Clash. My life changed at this event. Witnessing the unbridled passion of music fans, and the uncompromising levels of performance from the cream of South African and African artists on one stage filled me with pride I didn’t know I was capable of feeling. And while this event is a competition to outshine your opponents, the real winner was the culture. Angela Weickl

2. Tweak at Mercury. Tweak played their last show ever at Mercury Live, delivering mischievous pop punk under the shadow of the giant inflatable dicks that they imported from China. It was every bit the ridiculous, nostalgic sendoff they deserved. Stian Maritz

3. The Pixies at Kirstenbosch. From an impressive career-spanning setlist to supporting legends Springbok Nude Girls first time playing the gardens in any capacity, this event reinforced Andy Mac’s promise to continue championing rock music in SA. Tecla Ciolfi

4. Alice Phoebe Lou at Central Methodist Church. Proving no exception to the whimsical singer-songwriter’s consistently sold-out homecomings, the evening exhibited an enchanting dynamic by a flawless ensemble and a consequent, unquestionably captivated audience inside one of Cape Town’s oldest establishments. Timothy Kohler

5. The Good Luck Bar’s 2nd Birthday. With an all-inclusive line-up that started at 6pm and continued long after most had tapped out, Mango Groove’s headlining slot turned that warehouse into a church. Despite club management’s shock announcement yesterday we will continue to champion the cause of this venue in whatever way, shape or form, like it has done for every musician to walk through its doors. Tecla Ciolfi

6. Van Coke Kartel Farewell at Mercury. This one was bittersweet for me because while Van Coke Kartel started out as my least favourite Fokof spinoff, they ended up providing a solid soundtrack to my misspent 20s at The Shack. And even though I spent most of this gig squished up against a wall due to min space, it was a worthy send-off. Tecla Ciolfi

7. Mieliepop Festival at Toldiera Resort. Tucked away deep in Mpumalanga, in a landscape reminiscent of Middle Earth, I am yet to remember or again discover a better festival experience in South Africa. The line up was considerately curated to cater for every attendee while the energy of the space promoted safety, freedom and a sense of community. Angela Weickl

8. Al Bairre & Shortstraw at Kirstenbosch. The ever-so-charismatic Shortstraw effortlessly created an abundance of abrupt energy opening for Al Bairre’s final performance who, with multi-coloured paper mache doves had the entire audience on their feet throughout, yielded an explosive performance not without the notoriously quirky dance moves and heart-wrenching final sentiments. Timothy Kohler

9. Krank’d Up Music Festival at Sundowners. You might not know it, but our metal scene is thriving and lucrative and this event exudes enough appeal to attract some of the biggest international headliners. Not even a classic Joburg thunderstorm could stop one of the best metal events I’ve been to in the last few years. Stian Maritz

10. Endless Daze Music Festival. We’re seeing a new wave of promoters emerge and while Psych Night has been around for a minute, their second time around the block with Endless Daze Music Festival is showing seasoned professionals how it’s done. Tecla Ciolfi