Jumping Jozambican dub reggae samba styled latino hipcats, batman. if you haven’t already heard of 340ml then you’ve been living in London too long, mate. Rui, Tiago, Pedro and Paulo have been experimenting with dub basslines, melodicas, echos and other strange sounds from the sub-continent since the earlie noughties. Two albums later, whenever they play they pull a crowd. Expect a tight show, crowd sing-alongs and a couple of lighters in the air as said crowd sways to the hybrid sounds of post-colonial African dub vibrations. 340 million people can’t be wrong. Neither can the beers.

This unique trio includes brilliant experienced artists Habib Koitè, Dobet Gnahorè and Vusi Mahlasela. One of Africa's most exciting performers, Habib Koité plays music that reflects the diverse musical traditions of his Malian homeland. Koité has released a number of successful and critically acclaimedalbums, including Ma Ya and Baro on Putumayo.

A young singer from the Ivory Coast, Dobet Gnahoré has ignited stages in Africa and Europe with her vibrant performances. Dobet sings in various African languages and her music reflects a variety of influences including Mandingo music, Congolese rumba, ziglibiti from the Ivory Coast and Cameroonian bikutsi. The Acoustic Africa tour marks Dobet’s US debut.

After teaching himself to play the guitar, he earned notice as a gifted singer and songwriter. Mahlasela's powerful lyrics and beautiful melodies have made him a leading figure in contemporary South African music. Among his most ardent supporters is Dave Matthews, who invited Vusi to contribute guest vocals on the title track of the Dave Matthews Band’s multi-platinum album Everyday

The Namibian singer/songwriter Andra, is quickly establishing herself as a vital and singular musical force. The emotional depth of her song-writing combined with her fluid, soulful singing emphasizes her eloquent lyrics, expressive voice and openhearted sense of simplicity and directness. Think Eddie Vedder having coffee with Alanis Morisette as Jeff Buckley interrupts to introduce a young Marianne Faithful. It is clear that Andra’s songs maintain a level of clarity and insight. What’s even better, the 23-year old steps up to the plate when performing live. Her performances are intense and the lyrics, prolific. Her husky voice and formidable guitar playing on stage has won Andra critical acclaim from her piers and a steadily expanding audience. Audiences at the 2008 Aardklop, Strab and Hartfees festivals will vouch for that. For more information about the band visit:
www.andra.co.za

aKING is a melodic Pop-Rock band. The band was formed when Hunter Kennedy and Jaco Venter from Fokofpolisiekar, teamed up with friends Laudo Liebenberg and Hennie van Halen, joining their combined creative forces in making music that expresses their shared experiences and influences. aKING is an audio diary of life and survival in the suburbs. Expect uncompromising, focused energy. Sing-along alternative country-inspired songs and Classic Rock anthems are at the order of the day. The tongue-in-cheek and cynical, yet sometimes sentimental lyrics are mixed with an infectious, positive energy to accurately describe the strange contrast of their unique socio-political situation. aKING is a band with unlimited aspirations, but totally aware and in-tune with where they come from.
www.aking.co.za

Andre Pereira is a 25 year old designer and illustrator from Pretoria. He began his path in design and approach to art at the age of 20 after a two year learning curve in the UK. Upon return he enrolled into the multi layered and successful design school “The Open Window” in Pretoria. During the course of his third and final year he started designing his ever popular growing Gig Art. Music has always been a passion for him and is another art form he started exploring by being a former founding member of groundbreaking MK award winning band “Andre van der Walt”. Through a fast paced freelance career run his paths crossed with multi-nominated design company “Etiket”. Andre has been with Etiket since 2008 and has already contributed to various published and nominated campaigns. Be sure to catch the Andre in action at this year’s Oppikoppi Installation Art Area near the James Phillips Stage.

Lauded as S.A’s heaviest and most brutal band, Architecture of Aggression (A.O.A) consists of a three man demolition team and is respected/ reviled throughout the S.A metal community. More infamous than famous, known for their outspokenness on subjects ranging from censorship, politics to matters of religion! They are well respected for their musical prowess and technicality as well as a strong sense of groove and have influences ranging from death-metal through to jazz and progressive rock! Monsters on stage, their live shows are famous and their mosh pits are legendary! Come see what all the Hype is about.... if you dare.

Winner of the MK Award 2009 for Best Newcomer, Ashtray Electric, brings you a fresh new sound that is a delicate mixture of foot-tapping beats and rolling riffs. Not adhering to commercial beats, Ashtray Electric is taking the SA Music Scene by their very own handshake of music that is inspired by a large selection of musical styles and genres. Ashtray Electric launched their debut EP “The Dave Sessions” on 19 October 2007. They were spotted by Levi`s Original Music and performed at a high profile Levi`s Young Guns event in Cape Town in June 2008. Their first single “The Swing” reached the no 1 position on Tuks Fm`s SA Top 10, as well as the no 3 position on the Tuks Fm Top 40. a Video of “The Swing” reached no 3 on MK`s Top 10 Chart. In 2008, Ashtray Electric recorded a new single “Quite Overstared” for the Bellville Rock City compilation that was released by Rhythm Records in December 2008. “Quite Overstared” was playlisted on campus radiostations nationwide and reached the no 1 position on Tuks FM Top 30 and no 1 on Tuks fm SA Top 10. The video of “Quite Overstared” reached no 1 on MK Top 10 and is also playing on MTV Base. Ashtray Electric released their first full length album “Bonjour” on 29 April 2009.

Uplifting and repetitive guitar melodies, sultry singers, danceable staccato rhythms and cheerful bleeps from Belgium. Balthazar combine the temptation of Saturday night with the negligence of Sunday morning. This five piece from Kortrijk, Belgium, started this nice little band four years ago to win all sorts of music competitions, get rich and famous and win over every Belgian village along the way. Perhaps that's the reason why Balthazar have not been able to release a record yet. Or perhaps the band is just too lazy. Either way, when you hear the perfection of their songs you’ll be surprised and impressed and confused as to why they have not yet laid it down in studio.
myspace.com/balthazarband

Battery9 is one of the very few “Industrial” projects to come from South Africa, and thus far the only one to break out of the sub-culture mould. Which is surprising: the music is by nature extreme and unsafe. The lyrics (predominantly in Afrikaans and also in English) examine the darker side of the human psyche, driven by distorted vocals, chunky guitars and relentless beats. It contains a fat dose of cynical humor, twisted electronica, and abrasive sounds from industry. Basically, subject matter and sounds the neighbors get upset about. Battery9 is the brainchild of Paul Riekert, who writes the lyrics and music, and sings, plays, records and produces most of what appears on the CDs in his own studio. For the live show he is joined on stage by Huyser Burger (painting, vocals) and Dawid Kahts (guitar).

Cassette were nominated for 3 x MTN South African Music Awards in 2007 including that for Best Group, and ended up taking the award for Best Rock Album with their debut album, Welcome Back To Earth. They have collaborated with local legends such as the Mahotella Queens, Zubz and Vusi Mahlasela and have supported international artists such as Pink, Evanescence, Eagle Eye Cherry, Blof and many more. At the request of Nelson Mandela, they also opened the 46664 Concert in December last year. They have had 6 major national hits in South Africa from their first album including Tracy, Beautiful Smile, Sometimes (featuring the Mahotella Queens) and AI. They have also had a national hit with an unplanned leaked B-side from their first album which is the cover of Boomtown Rats hit, I Don’t Like Mondays. They have produced three music videos in the past year, two of which have occupied the number one spot on MK89’s music video charts, while the video for ‘Sometimes’ reached the number one spot on MTV Base. Their internet viral adverts for their music (and for the Cassette brand) have had more than 2 million international viewings online with three of these having been licensed by the BBC and German national TV for flighting in the UK and Europe.

Bed on Bricks is a uniquely South African band. Their sound is not easily defined, does not fit comfortably in any specific genre, thereby confusing the small minds of certain promoters, marketers and radio playlist programmers. Yet they’re a regular feature on the main stages of the country’s major music festivals, have a diverse and fanatical following, and not to mention inspiring other South African musos to play it their own way. The music is a combination of Capetonian urbanisms propelled forward by fast lyrics, sung with a disaffected South African accent, sick beats, monster bass lines and howling demon funk guitars. It’s part reggae, part African funk hop, mixed with free flow improv and surprisingly melodic vocals.
www.bedonbricks.co.za

They formed in London in 2005 whilst on a working holiday in the UK. There they recorded their debut album 'This City Needs a Hero' with the Grammy nominated team of Colin Richardson and Matt Hyde. The band returned to their home country of South Africa in 2007 armed with this arsenal of powerful rock anthems and was set to impress audiences from the word go. It wasn't long before their first single 'Serenade' was topping national radio stations like 5fm (voted song of the year 2007 on the high 5 at 5) as well as campus stations across the country. CrashCarBurn made South African rock history in 2008, when they became the first African act to be included on the Vans Warped tour. The tour saw the band win over fans in 18 cities across the USA alongside acts like Paramore, Angels and Airwaves, Gymclass Heroes and Katy Perry.

Samm Farai Monro, better known as Comrade Fatso, is one of the most explosive and controversial acts in Southern Africa today. Comrade Fatso calls his poetry Toyi Toyi Poetry, radical street poetry that mixes Shona with English and electrifying guitars with mbira and pulsating hip hop. It’s a riotous new music that is an uprising against oppression.
www.comradefatso.com

Contrary to his name – Dank is superbly fresh. He is a lover and collector of vintage analogue synthesizers – and he mashes the old with the new in perfect union. His first release, Cooking The Books, was released in 2008, completely independently. Cooking The Books is an eclectic mix of tracks that defies classification into one singular genre – all powerfully held together by the biggest basslines and warmest synth sounds EVER. There’s swing, blues, hiphop, dubstep, headnodbob, down tempo, glitch and more. It flows along a musical storyline that’s comical and entertaining, as well as at times being poignant and thought-provoking.

This is audio-celluloid magic. An explosion of images and sound. A catastrophic trip through hell in the belly of a whale. The violence of fire flies and snaking river boat rides. Sex and death in the hot air of paradise lost. They play the blues, they play greens, yellows and reds. Dead Alphabet will melt your faces and rearrange the pattern on your pants - and then not call you the next day. Justin (Drums) is the engine room, pistons driving, skins taught, gears of war. Hugh (Bass) is the newest member of Dead Alphabet, having joined halfway through 2008. He is the steady groove, the backbone around which the rest of the planets rotate. Phil (Lead Guitar) is the magic, the dream, the journey down the rabbit hole. He is the unplanned spontaneity and majesty of electric experimentation. Adam (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals) is the energetic burst of excitement and pain. Shaman, and mystic, he tells stories of strange beasts and journeys.

Billed as ironic country blues, Death Valley Blues Band hit their first Oppikoppi this year and you can expect big things in a hillbilly kinda hoedown way. Steel guitars, tambourines, harmonicas and yeehaw! The band features a whole bunch of Fuzigish regulars such as Jay Bones, Lord Zoltan and Ampie Omo, which should give you an indication of the quality on display here. To borrow from their press release: “This is a drink and dirty slap fest in the back of a truck stop bathroom. This is how a band in a bordello should sound. The Death Valley Blues Band is a good night out.”

Die Antwoord is a zef rap-rave crew from South Africa. The crew is lead by the fearless zef-rap master, Ninja, a maniac inbred MC from the other side of the train tracks with some heavy ryhme skills, an unstable personality and a hard, wiry body covered in badly etched jail tattoos. Ninja is accompanied on the mic by his young, zef, bottle-blonde home-girl, the fresh, futuristic rich bitch, Yo-landi Vi$ $er. This Golden Triangle of extreme zefness is completed by the mysterious DJ HI-TEK, the man no face. What is ZEF? Die Antwoord is fuckin zef! Next-level rave mixed with gangster rap pumping fucked up loud out the fat sound system of a fast and furious souped-up ride doing 240 in a 60 zone, sipping brandy and coke with no front teeth. Die Antwoord transports you to an alien dimension, a dark and dangerous dark warp zone with no rules, fokkof heavy klank, giftige cherries, sexy boys, strobe-lights, smoke machines, lasers-beams, funky 3D visuals to open your third eye, zol, dop...al daai kak! Party, party, party, party!
www.watkykjy.co.za

Hunter Kennedy was in Fokofpolisiekar and Pierre Greeff in Lukraaketaar. When both their bands took a break last year they started hanging out together again in Bellville, a kind of incongruent celestial magnet for good tunes. The guys started working on some experimental electronica, drawing from the local soundscapes. And here they are: Die Heuwels Fantasties (Hills Fantastic). And they’re doing it electronically… with a touch of guitar and Hunter’s trademark lyrical prowess. “We wanted to move away from the type of music we made respectively until now, which was mainly guitar-driven.”
www.dieheuwels.co.za

Not too many female hip hop DJs exist. And the few that are around possess no staying power. Don’t let her name fool you. DJ Gol’Digga is no gimmick! She may be a certified somatologist but she really lives, breathes and eats hip hop. It all officially began three years ago at a random studio. “I went crazy over their hip hop CD’s. They asked if I would like to be a DJ. I couldn’t say no.” She believes that she got into music simply because “she has a soul”. There’s also her musical upbringing. “My father loved his SA jazz, choral and classic music. I also enjoyed singing along to Bubblegum music from the age of five. My love for hip hop began at the age of ten.”

Deejtea started to DJ @ Die Mystic Boer back in 1998 playing a bit of everything to the wide variety people that comes to Die Mystic Boer. He moved to Cape Town for a year in 2008 where he played in various clubs in Cape Town as well as festivals. He was fortunate to have played with great DJ's like Krafty Kuts (UK) The Freestylers (UK), Gold Fish, Euphonik, Dr. Moody, The Blunted Stuntman, DJ Bob, Quake, Honey B just to mention a few. His style is still more freestyle based that includes Electro, Electro-House, Drum & Bass and Breaks.

EJ von Lyrik hails from a township called Mitchell’s Plain on the CapeFlats, Cape Town, South Africa. She has been writing and performing her own material ever since she started working on music as a career in 1997. Having a distinct interest in music production, she started producing her own instrumentals in 2001. She has performed on various international stages as well as collaborating with some hefty names in the music industry, and forms a third of the legendary female hip hop group Godessa. EJ is a vibrant performer and loves the stage as much as the studio. She also has passionate views on human rights and believes music is a spiritual gift, and this is very evident when listening to her lyrics and musical productions.

Ladies, be cool. Farryl Purkiss is going to be performing at Oppikoppi so please wait for the appropriate moment to scrunch up your panties and throw them on stage. In case you don’t know, Faryll is a South African singer-songwriter closely associated with the ocean, flowing grooves and soulful melodies. Some have called him Mzansi’s answer to Jack Johnson but that’s not right. FP first picked up the guitar when he was fifteen years old and began writing songs shortly after his sixteenth birthday. Expect as much influence from Ben Harper and Jack Johnson in his set as Nibs Van der Spuy, Chris Letcher and Guy Buttery.

Surely you’ve heard of these nut-monkeys? Perhaps the most important South African rock band since Die Voelvry Movement, Fokofpolisiekar was formed during April 2003 by a group of friends from Belville who decided to produce music in their own way. They were in the right place at the right tiem with the right sound and songs to capture the disaffected heart and tap into the recently disenfranchised zeitgeist of suburban South Africa. Fokofpolisiekar is currently one of SA`s biggest rock acts. Their explosive performances combined with their distinctive style and fine tuned marketing campaigns have packed out venues nationwide. Fokofpolisiekar currently has one of the highest publicity profiles in the country. Not bad for a bunch of Satan worshippers.
www.fokofpolisiekar.co.za

Foto na Dans was formed when vocalist Le Roi Nel joined Theuns Schoonwinkel, Dirkie Uys, Neil Basson and Alex Fourie, who previously played in a band together. It took seven years for the protagonists to finally find the right combination and get it together. Foto na Dans is the result of a fiercely creative self-expression that has not heeded to commercial influences, finding and establishing their own new significant sound in Afrikaans. Within the first six months since the release of the debut EP, Foto na Dans impressed audiences and media nationwide with their energy packed, larger-than-live shows, gaining instant fans wherever they perform. Their fiery, fearless approach, together with intelligent lyrics and their unique sound has made them a much talked about new Afrikaans Rock favorite.
www.fotonadans.co.za

Gross Misconduct is a four piece progressive punk rock band from Johannesburg, South Africa. They are inspired and influenced by their own lives, loves, tragedies and successes. They have performed on stages across the country alongside great South African and international acts and are currently recording a full length album at the legendary B# Studios.

Miss H has been in the music scene since 2002. She managed Hi-Five Music and worked as a label manager for KMD (for 5 years). Her first residency was at Tank (2002), where she played down tempo beats in the bar section, since then her music selection has grown into nu-jazz, dub, soul, funk, disco, reggae, hip-hop, breaks,electronic etc. She’s played all over Cape Town, kicking ass on the dance floors such as Marvel, Zula Bar, The Fuse, Baraza, Caprice, Opium Beach Bar, Origin, Earthdance, Design Indaba Afterparty, Oppikoppi and even the Redbull BC One Afterparty at Carfax. At the moment she works at sSHADOWORKSs as an events co-ordinator running The Waiting Room (Royale) nights, booking the djs and on Saturdays, Miss H has a night called ‘Miss H Presents The Boogie’, which is dedicated to all kinds of soul music. It’s been running for over a year now and has been doing excellent with guest djs Forgotten Freequencies, Soulo Starr, Smokey B, The MilkBar Kid, Kid Fonque, Toby2Shoes, Kenzhero, The Midnightmen, Richard The Third, The Boogieman, Mr Mo, Funafuji, Honeyb, … She has a great love for music and a total vinyl junkie. “If you like to boogie, come look for me”

Huyser Burger is: 'n rapper, painter, girl whisperer, held vir menige, gehaat deur sommige, warrior poet. Hy is ook die slimste van sy ma se kinders, 'n man van durf en daad en baie, baie dors - en is ook bekend as DJ Fokkolnonsens, Helsinki, Armand van der Merwe, Tokolosi en "mamma dink glad nie jy's snaaks nie."

Isochronous is an epic progressive synth-rock band formed in late 2006. The music is inspired by (among many others) the bands Mew, Muse, Jeff Buckley, Deftones, The Mars Volta, and such great composers as Sergei Rachmaninov, Hans Zimmer and Victor Wooten. The music is dynamic, innovative, progressive, and very much open to experimentation - always pushing the rhythmical and melodic boundaries within music. With this diverse mix of influences, the group succeeds in creating a majestic musical journey, leading the audience through a gallery of sound.

Jack Hammer is more than just a band - it is a roundabout of musicians. A collective that over the years has included amongst its members American Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton, McCully Workshop keyboard wizard Rupert Mellor, Kwaito master producer Gabi le Roux, Not My Dog guitarist Lanie van der Walt, prog-rocker Ken E Henson, Blues Broer Simon Orange, saxophonist supremo Mike Faure, and many, many others. As band roadie Hendry Jackson (who is immortalized in the song 'Laat Die Wiele Rol') said, "I have seen many Jacks, so to speak, come and go in my time, I tell you." This is one band that you cannot afford to miss at this year’s Koppi.
www.jackhammer.co.za

Hello, my naam is Jack Parow. Ek hou van Afrikaans. Ek hou van rap. Ma’ rap is boring en is oorval met mense wat nie weet wat hulle doen nie. Ek is hier om hulle almal te wys hoe om dit reg te doen. Ek maak musiek saam met my vriende. Ek hou van drink, gevaarlike karre, gevaarlike paarties, gevaarlike cherries, braai en rugby. My musiek lat jou glimlag. My musiek lat jou huil. My musiek lat jou dans en my musiek lat jou dink. Ek het groot geword op die strate van Bellville en Parow en in die Wonderland games arcade in Tygervalley. Ek rook Dunhill sigarette en drink Wellington brandy. Ek hou nie so baie van sokker nie, want ek verstaan nie die reëls nie, ma ek is besig om te leer, so hopelik hou ek gou daarvan. Ek hou nie van mense wat nie hou van Afrikaans nie. My song "Die Vraagstuk" saam met Die Heuwels Fantasties som my goed op, so luister dit. My musiek is eerlik. My naam is Jack Parow, romantiese Afrikaanse superster rapper. Kief Kief.

Josias Matsebatlela (AKA Josi Chavé) is a one man army. At the age of 22 he owns his own record label, Black Noize recordings and has a very successful debut album under his belt. Music is the core of his life. He’s been spinning records for a decade and armed with an ambitious attitude and solid work ethic he has proved that hard work combined with talent brings success. Inspired by the potential of local producers and a burning desire to contribute to the scene, Josi has crafted a brand new album, Josi Chave the 5th – which seamlessly blends some of the biggest dance tracks and his own production. The fact that his own tracks stand their ground against the other hits on the album should tell you something about the quality of his production.

Taking her inspirations all the way from hard rock to the new wave of solo acoustic artists, Josie is first and foremost a songwriter. She has a unique, low register voice and a fierce stage presence that belies her normally calm and understated exterior. One glimpse of her live on stage with her full band should convince any viewer that there is way more going on here than a folk artist strumming an acoustic guitar. Josie released her debut album in 2006, entitled Mercury, the album sold in excess of 7 000 units across South Africa, an astounding achievement for a debut album by an unknown artist. The first single off her debut album was Every Now And Then, which went to number 1 on 5 FM’s chart and was at number 1 on listener-voted Hi5 @ 5 for 7 weeks. The single also featured in the Media-Guide National airplay chart which tracks airplay across all stations in the country, peaking at number 43. Her second single, 10 Years went to number 2 on 5FM and stayed on the number 1 spot on the Hi 5 @ 5 for 3 weeks. The videos that went with these songs also did well, with heavy rotation on SABC 3 and MK. The video for 10 Years was nominated for an MK Video award in the Female Vocal category.

Born in Brussels, the daughter of a South African diplomat, Karen grew up in Belgium and Johannesburg where she became a teenage busker, honing her song writing, guitar playing and singing skills on the streets of Melville. In June 2001 EMI released Zoid's first solo album, Poles Apart, which fired the imagination of both critics and the public to such an extent that Karen Zoid became an icon of the new South African youth, which the press renamed the Zoid Generation. In 2004 both Time Magazine and US News & World Report re-affirmed her iconic status. In June 2003 EMI released her second critically acclaimed album, Chasing the Sun. Both Poles Apart and Chasing the Sun achieved Gold Record status. In July 2005 she released her third album, Media. Karen averages two international tours a year and you can find out why at this year’s festival.
www.karenzoid.co.za

Since the far of days when Kid Fonque was messin’ about with downbeat and hip hop, legendary and original “Liquid Lounging” (now Lilo productions) picked up on the flavour and booked Fonque for numerous classic underground parties including “More Togetherness” and “Bass and Blues”. With a passion for music and an open environment to play in, Fonque’s taste and selection grew, instead of noddin’ the whole night you where finding yourself breakin’, noddin’, samba’n, and groovin’ to an amalgamation of sounds. Kid Fonque has opened and played after internationals such as Jazzanova (Sonar Kollektiv records Berlin), Dj Krush (Japan), Fink (Ninja Tune), Luke Solomon (Classic records), Mr Scruff (Ninja Tune), Rainer Truby (Compost records), Gilles Peterson (Radio 1 UK), Darjan (Metro Area), Dj Craze (World DMC Champ 3 years in a row), Dj Naughty (Deejay Gigolos Germany), Ame (Sonar Kollektiv Berlin), Aaron Jerome (If music London), Nick Matthews (best kept secret), Basement jaxx and there’s more to come.

If you think Kidofdoom needs a singer, go back to your car, pack up your tent and clear out of the Koppi. You don’t belong here. Kidofdoom are the biggest South African, instrumental-rock band of forever. They're also the biggest name in Gauteng's exploding disco-punk scene and as such their music usually finds itself somewhere in a completely unexplored wasteland between post-rock and indie-dance. Using the typical rock set up of a drummer, a bass player and two guitarists to create music that is anything but typical rock, Kidofdoom on the surface appear to be a text book example of a post-rock band. Adding synths and a Theremin to the mix and applying a completely different aesthetic to the usual post-rock one, sees them creating a sound strikingly unique.
www.kidofdoom.co.za

A living South African legend. Koos is a multitalented musician, singer and writer. Others prefer the words icon and legend, Koos Kombuis, became famous as part of a group of anti-apartheid Afrikaans musicians, who, under the collective name of Voëlvry created some of the most important political music of South African struggle culture. With influences including Bob Dylan, Neil Young and George Harrison, audiences can look forward to Koos Kombuis’ quality lyrics and raw style that has made him the guru of Afrikaans rock music and a legend of the Koppi.
www.kooskombuis.co.za

Think eclectic, electric, successful, entertaining, liberating, hip, musical-journey, African Urban Culture, post-apartheid, motivational, educational, South African cultural transition and [re-] evolution. Kwani’s unique and eclectic sound is no less difficult to pigeon-hole as ever before, with elements of funk, jazz (traditional, African and acid), soul, hip-hop, Afro urban and African pop genres all coming into play in an exciting, innovative mix and accessible wall of sound. Within the band are many different identities and styles that together produce a diverse visual and musical feast: Enter soulful female vocalist/dancer Nkoto Keitu Malebye, together with rapper and poet Kwelagobe Sekele, backed by keyboardist Mahlatse Riba, bassist Frank Magongwa, drummer Monde Mkhizwana and industrial-percussionist and sometime singer Bafana Nhlapo. The KWANI EXPERIENCE educates, elevates and entertains both young and the old, pays tribute to their legacy and heritage and chants the future. They label their overall style and musical style, MUDALAND FUNK. At first Kwani came out as a deep and funky band breaking boundaries but gradually their music has morphed into an accessible sound loved by the young dance/hip-hop/alternative professionals, the art community, old world music and jazz lovers.

Laurie Levine is a Johannesburg based artist with distinctive vocals and strong melodies. She has an uncompromising sound, drawing on a variety of influences to cumulate in a crossover of genres from rock and folk to blues with jazz tones. Laurie is a prolific songwriter with a distinctive jazzy soulful voice and strong melodies that breathe life into her songs and embody the emotional core of her music. The singer-songwriter has built up her loyal fan base through her performances at some of SA’s most prestigious festivals including: Mr Price Pro, Levi’s Vintage Sunday Sessions, Splashy Fen and the White Mountain Folk festival. Laurie has performed at the famous CBGBs in New York as well as opening for Rodriguez at The Forum in London.

Lowprofile is a melodic punk rock band from Durban, formed in 2003. No gimmicks, no eyeliner, just heartfelt and honest, full-blast melodic punk rock with a side helping of ska. Inspired by the mid ‘90s punk revival, Lowprofile bang it out hard and fast, with a modern technical twist, catchy harmonies, and an unshakeable love for metal. Remember all those bands you used to love? We do. To date, Lowprofile have released two full length albums Talk to Strangers(2005), Wings! Don’t Fail Me Now (2007) and two music videos. The band has also toured the country, played at several major festivals, and appeared in various forms of media (TV, radio, websites, magazines, and newspapers). Lowprofile is (and always will be); Ozzie on guitar and vocals, Skeg on bass and vocals, Woogy on guitar, and Yusuf on drums and vocals. Love the music you play, and play the music you love.

Oppikoppi regular, Lucky Fonz III is a unique singer-songwriter to emerge from Amsterdam’s underground scene. His quirky yet engaging body of songs and lyrics has gained him a dedicated international following. He is known as much for his distinctive live-act as for his two records: Lucky Fonz III (2005) and Life is Short (2007). Both records were initially released on Lucky’s own label, MyStreetIsMine, and later re-released in Australia and South Africa. His third record, A Family Like Yours, will be released spring 2009. Lucky has toured extensively in Europe, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the USA, opening up for, among others, Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric. Co), Donavon Frankenreiter, The Beautiful Girls and Badly Drawn Boy.
www.luckyfonziii.com/www.myspace.com/luckyfonziii

Melissa McClelland returns with her highly anticipated third album, Victoria Day. Produced by husband Luke Doucet, her Six Shooter Records debut finds McClelland deeply in touch with a sense of melody and wordplay that rivals any of her contemporaries.

Luke is a master of stories because he knows all the good ones like the back of his hand. His palm is his family tree, and his fingers, spread wide as a web, are the means for his storytelling. Nothing gets past this hand. Between pen and paper, nylon or steel strings, it will be written, remembered, repeated. And it will sound better than anything you've ever heard.

Began his turntable journey back in 2003 under an ultimatum to learn to mix in two weeks to prepare for a set live on air at a radio station in Bloemfontein… a set that resulted in the birth of a DJ whose mind is set on telling a story behind the decks. In his journey DJ Lulo has positioned himself as a selector of note and has developed a good ear for cutting edge house music. His sets vary from down tempo lounge music, deep grooves and funky selections. This has seen him featuring at his infamous Club Y sessions hosted by Yfm, travelling around the country and neighbouring countries Botswana, Lesotho, delivering lounge to deep house sets at most Capello’s around Joburg showcasing his passion alongside legends.

In a world in which we are surrounded by mass media mediocrity, Luna surprises with an astonishing presence. Her live performances leave audiences awestruck and speechless - intrigued by her stories delivered through well-crafted lyrics, she amazes with her powerful, soulful voice. Luna takes you on a hypnotic and moving voyage. With two previously well received album releases (Luna and Missing Pieces), various productions at festivals and loyal following, Luna is no new comer to the South African music scene.

Hailing from the East Rand of South Africa, the Mean Streets are a band who are destined to put the punk back into spunk. Their energy exuded on stage is an unadulterated tribute to the raw mayhem of music. For their short time together, since 2008, The Mean Streets have managed to awaken the faith of the faint hearted. They have been touring all over the country playing with bands like Fuzigish , Half Price , Hog Hogidy Hog , Lowprofile and many more , from Durban to Grahamstown. They have also played at the Lucky Fish fest 2008, and had an interview on UJFM with Fuzi and Submachine. A true punk band with anthems and fast music that goes good with the content of their music, not afraid to take on Government and authority and proud to admit that they hate both, something this country needs, so if you are in need of some chaos, a lot of beer and sweating in the pit, be sure not to miss them.

MEANWHILE is a platform for creative expression founded in 2002. Each edition is approached as a new and unique project from concept to presentation, resulting in various ideas within ideas on a vast platform. Contributors include: Henk Esterhuizen, Mia de Jager, Izak Steyn, Theo Robbertze, Ruan Kemp, Aryan Kaganof, Cecilia Ferreira, Willie Knoetze, Albert Smit, Thomas W. Poole, JasonFinlay, Louis de Villiers, Sjaka S. Septembir, Jane Henderson, Leon Prinsloo, Jaques Fuller, Olaf Bisschoff, Kelly Gough, Black Koki, 35 ten 73, Estie Esterhuizen, Flaming Rabbit Dog Press, Yvetter de Beer, Essie Esterhuizen, Nick Kleinhans, Elza Kotzé. See MEANWHILE at
www.meanwhile.co.za.

The Mix ‘n Blend are four, sometimes three, and often two individuals who like to play lots of different styles of music, drink lots of different styles of jagermeister and other beverages, and employ many different styles of combining these pastimes into the early hours of the morning (with what they’d like to think in their often not so sober state, is some kind of style). Expect everything from funk, soul, swing, reggae, dancehall breaks to drum n bass – you get the picture…they cut it up, mix and blending with the help of a kaoss pad 3 and a roland-SP606.

After playing in many bands for years (Battery 9, Max Normal, Godessa, Lark & Closet Snare along with a gazillion more),‘Mr Sakitumi’ (Sean to his mom) branched out to compose and perform his own beat creations. It’s a performance involving live sampling, fx, turntable scratching and bass guitar. The music is in the style of beats and breaks influenced by the likes of Ninja Tune, DJ Krush and DJ Shadow amongst others. Performances to date: mainly around Cape Town, at Earthdance Festival, opening up for DJ Krush at The Assembly and closing the Lark shows around the country earlier this year with ‘Humanizer’.

She started out as the only girl free-styling at street corner ciphers with no intention of taking it any further. Little did she know she was laying the foundations of the making of an exceptional writer. When she got to University the bug had gotten a hold of her and everybody that knew Nthabi knew she loved and could rap. A friend of hers introduced her to Helio, a producer who had worked with legendary South African hip-hop record label, Outrageous Records with the likes of H2O & Zubz. Helio put Nthabi in studio in mid 2004 and it was then that she decided that this hobby of hers could actually turn in to a fully-fledged career. She recorded a host of tracks, which included Reality check, who’s that chick & Club people, which were subsequently featured on the Hype Sessions compilations, which is a CD that accompanies the only hip-hop magazine in the country. With more than just lyrics to blow your mind, Nthabi has also recently gone the live route and can be seen performing alongside her band, HomeGrown, with her both rapping and playing the marimba. With so many talents, Nthabi is definitely paving the way for women in the industry.

Pink Noise in its current incarnation, was formed when during a lull in Black Pimpin’ Jesus activity, frontman Evert Snyman began messing around with a then newly acquired soundcard and recorded a clutch of emotionally charged songs mostly by himself. Koos van der Wat from the band Havoc Vultures, who had played banjo, bass and lead on some of the songs, passed the demo to Havoc Vultures drummer PJ Kotze. Kidofdoom drummer Johan Auriacombe, who was living with PJ, heard the music, but it was only once he met Evert at a gig in Tempo’s that the new Pink Noise line-up began to take shape. A month later, Rudi van Rensburg, a guitarist with Havoc Vultures, also joined in on the action, turning what was initially a solo project heading straight for the archives into a fully-fledged super group. Completing the lineup is Black Pimpin Jesus bassist Paul Vermaak who plays bass and some keys on Pink Noise. Pink Noise is a side-project for all the musicians involved, and when they take to stage on special occasions, one has to prepare oneself for getting blown-away. The music is always melodic, but in Pink Noise’s case, very heavy as well.

Pity the Fool, is an emerging four piece alternative rock n roll band based in Pretoria and has been performing live since early 2008. As lovers of music, the band is influenced by many genres ranging from rock to punk to indie, electro, IDM… Their new EP “Extended Play” is thematically dominated by a post punk-rock sound, but no limitations are set to future recordings. Following the foot steps of loud music Pity the Fool uses an essential rock set up with two guitarists, a bass player, a drummer and a voice. With a very melodic-anthemic upbeat sound, Pity the Fool rises to the challenge of live performance; by writing music that lends itself to explosive performances.

This project was initiated in 2008 by Logaritimo Productions in Maputo, in order to bring back the urban and traditional Marrabenta music to the people of Mozambique. The 90 minute set showcases Marrabenta music with a core backing band and four of the legends of Marrabenta showcasing the different styles, led by Dilon Djinji, who is 82 years old and sings and dances with unbelievable energy. The show is fast-paced highly energetic African groove, with amazing young dancers adding to the vibe. Visit www.myspace.com/radiomarrabenta to listen and check the video.

Albert Frost started playing the guitar in 1989, when he was only 12. He was voted as Best Blues guitarist in South Africa by Stage Magazine. This fact, however, shouldn't let you underestimate the man’s serious Rock abilities. Albert is an all-round master guitarist with a passion for music that reflects across all genres and guitar styles. As a session musician, his skills have added to the success of many great South African albums. But be sure to catch him on stage performing his own songs for the real deal. Albert Frost has shared stages with South Africa’s finest: Vusi Mahlasela, Louis Mahlanga, Morris Goldberg, Arno Carstens, Ollie Viljoen, Theo Crous, Anton Goosen, Gerald Clarke, The Springbok Nude Girls and now Riku Latti. And with Riku Lätti’s diverse musical range, from rock to pop and even hip hop, one may definitely look forward to enchanting melodies combined with wise and humorous lyrics.
www.riku.co.za

The Shadowclub was formed in October 2007 by its 3 founding members Jacques Moolman (vocals, guitar), Alex Hing (bass), and Isaac Klawansky (drums, backing vocals). Alex left the band in early 2009, and was subsequently replaced by long-time friend Liale Francis. The band is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Shadowclub play an interesting blend of blues, punk, soul, and old school rock n roll, a mixture that was born from the members eclectic playing styles and musical influences. Their music hints at rock legends of the 60’s and 70’s, but its frontman Moolman's jazzy, liquid like vocals, that makes this group a truly unique act. The sound they create is ferocious, untainted and unadulterated, and their electrically uninhibited live performances have been awakening the senses of audiences across the country.

Shortstraw started out as a two-piece drums/guitar band, the two founding members having played in acoustic/funk band 'wanton' previously. Al and Ollie have been friends since high school, where they played in punk band 'mutt', and formed a healthy (musical) relationship. Jamming as Shortstraw since 2007 and gigging (officially) since 2008, the two-piece changed to a three-piece when the band called on the bass skills of former band mate, Jason (also from wanton) and they continued to gig their simple, acoustic music. Simple as in not complicated... not as in retarded! The three then began recording their (soon-to-be-released) debut EP, 'These are my drunk eyes' with Chris Brink and Mike Stott (of 'tweak' fame) and finally completed recording in December 2008. Currently in the process of designing cover art and trying to wrap their heads around duplication and distribution issues (it’s tough being an Indie band!) they hope to release the EP in August or September 2009. Whenever really! but whilst recording said EP, maestro jay laid down some guitar choons too, and in so doing left the handsome members of Shortstraw in a bit of a pickle... how to pull off this recording in a live scenario? so... they called friends and friends called friends and then along came Phil -- bass machine. Phil has been with the band since January 2009.

Soweto's premier rock musician, Steadyrock, recently performed at the Hunter’s Refreshers Session held at Kempton Park Golf Course earlier this month. He shared the stage with South Africa’s award nominees including Trompies, Swatta Kamp, Lira, HHP, Glen Lewis and Kwani Experience. Steadyrock's sound seems tailor made for an international audience with its smooth melodies and distinct reggae and hip hop influences. Indeed, the Soweto artist is already picking up more and international exposure.

Taxi Violence is real rock and roll. One of the brightest lights to permeate the dark night of the South African rock scene. Since their inception (fittingly a jam session at a military base in June 2004), they have maintained a steadfastly independent attitude, even turning down a prize record contract with a major record label in their quest to retain and perfect true artistic freedom and integrity. Whether on stage or in the studio, Taxi Violence refuses to play a mediocre song. It’s got to blow their minds first, otherwise we won’t hear it. More importantly they’ve got a band member who plays the angle grinder.
www.taxiviolence.com

Teba a.k.a. the Original Social Worker enjoyed heavy chart rotation and commercial success in the late 90's with his group called Skeem. He was also a featured artist on the African Dope Sound System compilation cd released in 2003. Since the release of his solo debut album " 20 - 5 - 2 - 1 Manifesto" produced by Grenville Williams, Ej von Lyrik (Godessa) and Dubmasta China in 2005, Teba have been working hard to establish himself as Cape Town's Top Reggae/dancehall act. Outside South Africa he has performed in Italy, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Germany and all over the South Pacific Islands, proving his international appeal. He has also collaborated with artists from Poland, Finland and Austria and his music have been featured on various European cd compilations.

TERMINATRYX and special musical guests from LARK and DAWN TREADER will perform an original soundtrack to the screening of the classic 1922 silent vampire film NOSFERATU, at the 2009 OPPI KOPPI music festival - in conjunction with the DVD release “TERMINATRYX / NOSFERATU” which contains the full feature film and its new soundtrack as performed live at the South African HORRORFEST Film Festival. The musicians partaking in this unique audio-visual experience are Paul Blom, Sonja Ruppersberg, Simon "Fuzzy" Ratcliffe, Sean Ou Tim and Matthijs Van Dijk. This will only be the second time ever this soundtrack is to be performed live to the movie’s screening, and is an unforgettable and unique audio-visual experience as the innovative original soundtrack breathes new life into the enthralling visuals with a blend of voice, bass guitars, samples, electric guitars, electric violin, beats, electronics, drums, woodwind instruments, flutes and more. Bring pillows, blankets or your couch to enjoy this brand new experience.
www.TERMINATRYX.com

Tidal Waves are widely regarded as the hardest working reggae band in South Africa, playing gigs from Oppikoppi to Pretoria, Cape Town to Potchefstroom. Originally from Klerksdorp, a small dustbowl gold mining town about two hours South of Jozi, the band is now based in Yeoville, Johannesburg. Tidal Waves write and perform original reggae music with traditional African music influences like maskandi and mbaqanga. The sound is original roots reggae with strong rock, ska and blues influences. Like all good reggae, their lyrics are socially conscious and uplifting, railing against the government for not respecting the Rainbow Nation and imploring their fans to stand up for integration and one love. Other songs have deeply rooted anti war sentiments, while others lament the sad tales of urban South African poverty and the struggle to survive as musicians in the global capitalist system.
www.tidalwaves.co.za

The Arrows have been making a steady wave front in the live music scene and on the airwaves, as they have begun their quest to spread the light and take their music to every ear that they can bend. The Arrows are a three-piece composition unit from Durban in KZN. Fronted by the powerful vocals of Pam, who writes the songs and also plays keyboards and synth, the unit is rounded out by Christie punishing the drum skins and Bongani grooving hard on the bass. Their sound is almost impossible to pigeonhole, incorporating as it does pop, electroacoustic dance and jazz into an eclectic, mesmeric assault on the senses. For more information about the band visit:
www.myspace.com/thearrowssa

The Black Hotels are an indie rock band from Johannesburg, South Africa. Their first release, a five-track EP called Beautiful Mornings, made them one of the most critically acclaimed SA indie bands of 2007 and 2008. The band’s music is a mixture of indie rock and alt-country. Components of their sound have been compared to Arcade Fire, The Go Betweens and R.E.M. From the 50's to current day guitar bands The Black Hotels are influenced by them all, inspired by their own individual record collections and the number of great artists that affect them. The Black Hotels debut album Films for the Next Century will be released in May 2009.For more information about the band visit:
www.blackhotels.co.za

The Cavalier is a four piece alternative rock outfit out of Joburg, and this is their second coming at the Koppi. The members (Jay – Vocals, Chris – Guitar, Pete – Bass and Pat – Drums) met and played in different bands with one another over the past five years, growing in musical experience and direction while developing what they like to call, “a unique and beguiling sound”. Although others might call it screamo alternative cock rock with a theatrical stage presence and some catchy tunes.

The Dirty Skirts rock such hard indie tunes that if your jeans aren’t skinny enough you might end up naked before the end of their set. That’s why indie kids wear skinny jeans, because if you wear baggy pants they’ll just blow them off with their rock. Original Indie rockers of the late, great Long street scene, their sound is steeped in an alternative rock tradition stretching back some fourty odd years. Think Pink Floyd, David Bowie, John Lennon, Talking Heads, The Pixies, Jane’s Addiction, The Cure and many more. You will dig, you will disco.

Audiences watching The Parlotones are swept up in a whirlwind of pop rock energy orchestrated by front man Kahn Morbee. Not averse to a bit of experimentation, the band merges innovative approaches and ideas into a comprehensive sound, which lends itself to mammoth live performances, the likes of which South African audiences have rarely seen. The band’s quality was recognized in 2006 when their debut full-length album, Radiocontrolledrobot, won the 2006 Best Rock Album SAMA. The band’s single ‘Overexposed’ was used as the theme song for FHM World’s Hottest Woman short film. They tour overseas regularly and always play to capacity crowds, at home and abroad.
www.myspace.com/theparlotones

In a world of disposable hypopracy, originality is a scarce commodity. In a world of sound-a-same bands, you’ve got to travel a pretty distance to hear a groove that makes your soul want to get up and dance, dance, dance! Not that dancing is the only thing they’d like their music to inspire. This dynamic quartet of musicians, hailing from the fairest Cape, are on a mission to inspire other bands to follow their example and take a hand in determining their own bright future by taking charge and changing the rules. In sound, The Plastics pay homage to retro-rock and classic pop imagery; their live shows are as much about on-the-spot improvisation as they are about energetic, well-rehearsed songs with catchy melodies woven into modern dance rock jams. For more information about the band visit:
www.theplasticsband.co.za

In 2006 Charles (Bass and Lead Vocals), Trevor (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals) and Wesley (Drums and Percussion) got together and started making music that they really enjoyed. Inevitably they wanted to express themselves and share their ideas with other people through the music and decided rather than just sitting around, waiting for the right gig to come along, that they'd put out their own brand of "Drink and Dance" parties, and play shows for pals and pals of pals, staged in odd hotel bars and dodgy sports clubs.

2 Years later they have already brought out an album, split up, got back together again and are now gapping for more fun party jive times than ever before. These dapper young carnivores of fine music eat up the stage, drawing inspiration from a wide range of diverse musical genres. Sound wise it is hard to pin these guys down, due to their bohemian repertoire of varying music styles that swings from strong Spanish rock to superhero themed disco, to a bit of ska, some honest punk, a bit of funk and good ol' cheesy lounge. For want of a simpler description they have labelled their eclectic musical style as Cocktail Punk.

The Sick-Leaves is singer/songwriter/guitarist /bassist Eksteen Jacobsz. The Sick-Leaves perform live as a two piece with a drummer, Wayne Pictor. Upon his return from the UK, Eksteen started his own alternative/rock project, The Sick-Leaves which has garnered two SAMA nominated albums, national radio singles, many local gigs, slots on Oppikoppi 2006 & 2009 amongst other highlights. The Sick-Leaves first album, Tunnel Vision was produced by legendary underground producer Matthew Fink and was released in April 2006 through independent label Sheer Music. Sony/ATV published Tunnel Vision and the subsequent second album: Stone the Crow. For information, please visit:
www.myspace.com/thesickleaves

Described as dirty funk ‘n roll, The Uncut is a band fresh out of the Jozi suburbs aiming at producing the holy grail of South African pop, a unique sound that sells records. What makes The Uncut different to other pretenders to the throne, is that these guys can actually play their instruments, because Tom, Mark and Jakey are all classically trained jazz musos. Expect big sounds that keep it simple with just a bass, a lead and some drums.

Gert Vlok Nel, an artist in Europe earning much credit as a poet and a musician has also made a big impact on home grounds. 'Beaufort-Wes se Beautiful Woorde' is still seen as one of the most important albums in Afrikaans Music. In spite of this, Gert is just too happy to be in his own words part of a ‘rock and roll' tour. The other Nel in this tale is obviously Bacchus. 'Oppieplaas', his anthem for the outcasts enjoy a cult status at numerous music festivals. There is more to this artist than sing along songs and audiences that attended recent shows will testify that his debut album, 'In die arms van die nag' is only a strong foundation for more brilliant work to follow. Bacchus insists on doing driving shifts on tour. Thus the other two are looking for a state of the art G.P.S.Brixton Barnard that was still recently involved with ‘Trike en die Brixton moord en Roof orkes’. Some of his best work will be found on the albums 'Volle Militere Eerbetoon' and 'Terug in Skubbe' gehoor word. He is currently working on a solo album and is also involved with the Punk group Plank. Audiences can look forward to new performances of old favourites and also interpretations of other artists work.

Since the release of their debut album in November 2007, Van Coke Kartel has exploded onto the SA Music scene with sold out shows and raving reviews. Their self-titled album (recorded at Bellville Studios and produced by Theo Crous) was nominated for a SAMA Award 2008 for “Best Afrikaans Rock album” and the band`s instant success ensured that Van Coke Kartel was invited to perform at MY COKE FEST alongside international bands including Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Korn, Chris Cornell etc. Afrikaans cock rock with a Belville swagger.
www.vancokekartel.co.za

VICE Magazine has built reputation on its irreverent, left-field and curiously era-defining world view. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the vast spectrum of photography that appears in the magazine. South Africa has a wellspring of talented photographers that we hope to create relationships with in order to emulate this kind of model. Photography is in fact the simplest and most effective way to convey a sense of what the brand stands for.

We sent out a very open-ended brief to a limited number of local photographers to provide us with images that they feel describe the VICE attitude. These images will be projected prominently at our stand in an ongoing digital slideshow. The photographers we will be working with include: Liam Lynch, Dale Yudelman, Musa Xumalo, Xandre Kriel, Natasja Fourie and Chris Saunders.

The members Tjeerd Bomhof (Guitar and Vocals), Sven Woodside (Bass and Vocals) and Joppe Molenaar (Drums and Samples) kicked their career off with a much anticipated show at the Winston in Amsterdam. Their shows earn them support slots with Millionaire, Enon and Mclusky throughout the year. Voisct (NL) have been recipients for numerous awards like; The Essent Award, 3voor12 Award for Best Dutch Album and Live XS Award for best album. Their live performances have been voted in the Top 3 perfomances at the Pinkpop Festival. Their music has been used for games and commercials like Heineken and the Fifa Worldcup 2006 game.

Firmly believing the maxim that good things take time, they have carefully paved their way along the notoriously rocky road that is the local music industry and this 2009 offering is a fitting flourish at the end of what has been a very merry song-and-dance. Through a combination of design and default, the band has cooked their sound up in a melting pot of funky bass-lines and rock guitars laced with catchy piano lines sprinkled over soulful, hiphop-inspired vocals. The result is often met with confusion, but even the most hardened sceptics find themselves unwittingly drawn into a tapping of the foot or a shaking of the proverbial booty by Voodoo Child’s “get-up-and-dance” tunes. This steady conversion of followers around the country has given the outfit the honour of rocking some of South Africa’s premier music festivals, most notably Woodstock, Oppikoppi and Splashy Fen.

Wolraad Woltemade started in the summer of 2008 with members Jaques Olivier and Vis Archer, who came together to write material for their new project. Both of them were involved with heavy metal bands from both Pretoria and Johannesburg. After ‘n few bottles of Zandvliet wine they decided on the name and the band Wolraad Woltemade started. The style of the music can be described as Rock and Roll with a bit of Electronica. Their inspiration includes the likes of AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Rise Against, The Used, Stone Sour, Pink Floyd and Valiant Swart.

Wrestlerish is a funny name for a Pretoria-spawned country inspired indie folk band with a talent for songwriting masquerading as a bunch of hillbillies. Werner Olckers on Vocals. Jacques Douglas Du Plessis produces, plays keys, bass and sings. Rick Joaqium plays drums, the tambourine, shakers, spoons. David Grevler plays bass. This is their first Oppikoppi outing and we are certain that you will be moved. They just opened for Johnny Clegg at the Encounters Festival at Emmarentia.

Zebra & Giraffe is a new, irrepressible musical force working itself into the hearts and minds of local fans – and even on the first listen it’s clear that Z&G’s debut longplayer, Collected Memories, is every bit as unique as the animals that it’s named after. The cleverly named act is actually the pseudonym of Johannesburg music wunderkind, Greg Carlin. The 10-songs on Collected Memories are an announcement of his own special take on making music to all who hear it. Carlin admits that his own liking is for the harder edge of rock (A Perfect Circle, early Marilyn Manson, NIN, Tool are among his favourites) and although much of Collected Memories is melodic, thrashing guitars do make an appearance.