Oppikoppi 15 - Smoorverlief

7-9 August 2009

Hey, you with the black(-ish) shirt, stand still. We have good news: all the years of running from the Gendarmerie can now finally mellow to a much more friendly and civilized mutual knowing nod.

15 years of broad spectrum tune-goodwill seems to have thawed the long arm and many other limbs across South Africa (At last!), for OppiKoppi is poised to be declared a monument in 2009 (But more about that in weeks to come).

It is just nice to know that after all these years there does seem to be a certain almost base level naturalistic understanding of the annual OppiKoppi equation:

Tune+Friends+Tunes+Tequila+Tunes+30xbakkie loads of speakers + an outdoor couch = Goodwill beyond gendarmerie comprehension.

But: truth be told (as is not often its wont in the greater Northam district municipality), not even the OppiKoppi family had the idea that the small bar fracas presented in 1994 with Koos Kombuis and Valiant Swart would lead to a festival. And everything which came after that was either completely intentional or unintentional, depending on the reporting officer. Mostly though there was an almost existential drive to have a good time: Lots of tunes with lots of volume for as long as anyone cares to keep standing - and that dedication and verve seemed to have found fertile soil in thousands upon thousands of music pilgrims. Too much tunes were always just enough.

For anyone on the inside or immediate outside of the South African music machine it is unbelievable that the good ship OppiKoppi chartered stormy (and at 4am in the small bar, very stormy) waters to reach 15 years of absolute music overload to a militant base tune denizens.

We think that is worth celebrating: and will do exactly that.

So forgive and forget and hug the next gendarme whose Phendinkus you stumble upon or over. Good times seems determined to stick around and especially at the Republic of OppiKoppi.

You can expect much more information on OppiKoppi 15, Smoorverlief in weeks ahead.

Nice.

Print design and music get together and make an impact once again. It’s called PrintSlam, an annual exhibition of silk screen and digital posters which takes place at the legendary Oppikoppi festival in Northam in August. This one’s big people – it’s still the only annual exhibition of its kind in South Africa; a great opportunity for our visual creatives to turn their doodling into design and capture the soul of Mzansi’s young aesthetics. So if you’ve got an eye, and want to share your vision with others, then make sure that you get your entries in by the 20th of July.

And it couldn’t be happening in a more historic year. OppiKoppi is turning 15, and to mark this rock ‘n rolling occasion, it’s being declared a National Heritage Monument. The festival has been listed as one of the 10 best in the world and iconic jeans brand Levi’s® has been part of the party for the past six years. All these numbers add up to a momentous event – a truly South African institution where music and culture are celebrated in red dust & denim at Northam.

So if you want to feature at this incredible festival, but you’re without a backing band, then don’t worry. Get busy with your pens, pencils, paintbrushes and PhotoShop, and make sure that you’re one of the 20 artists who will be selected to display their work at the exhibition. You’ll receive a free pair of tickets to PrintSlam and your work will be sold at the event. Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it.

But before you hit the canvas, take down these details:

• All Prints must be signed and editioned (minimum 10 copies). Print sizes must be A2 or smaller for display space purposes.
• The artwork must be marked as “limited edition”.
• There will be loads more information on the Facebook group – watch out for it.

Prints can be dropped off at:

or mailed to:

and get more info:

More than just a music festival, OppiKoppi has become one of Mzansi’s most respected cultural institutions. And, as musicians, fans and party animals all over the country get ready to celebrate the 15th year of this wild phenomenon, its organisers are proud to announce that OppiKoppi is going to be declared a national monument. That’s right, the (anti)establishment that was born in the red dust of a farm just outside Northam will soon become an official legacy. Not that it makes a difference to the hundreds-of-thousands of fans who have become part of OppiKoppi in the past decade and a half. They’ve always known how special the brand truly is.

“We’ve been getting recognition both at home and abroad for over ten years now,” explains Carel Hoffman, OppiKoppi’s President for Life. “We’ve always done what we want, and had as much fun doing it as we possibly could. There’s no other way to go about it – if you’re not enjoying yourself then there’s no point in continuing.” It’s a philosophy built from the ground up – Carel is as much a part of the OppiKoppi crowd – an ardent instigator for hedonism and hooliganism – as he is the man behind organising all the events. And whilst the August Festival is still the main attraction, OppiKoppi is busy throughout the year, proudly championing South African music. “The main festival is the heart and soul of everything we do,” he continues. “But our total business sees us reaching 400 000 people in a year, many more than the number of revellers who trek to Northam.”

And whilst OppiKoppi is as South African as biltong, it’s got the international community licking their lips, if not going green with envy. Voted as one of the ten best festivals in the world it has a unique attraction that has as much to do with the consistently groundbreaking lineup as it does with the raw energy of the experience. “There’s nothing else like it in the world,” says Carel. “We’ve been invited to loads of festivals all over, and when we invite people back here they can’t believe it. Sure there are other outdoor events, but none are as ‘bushwahcky’ as this. It’s because of the amount of freedom at the festival. We encourage this: do what you want as long as you don’t hurt or irritate others.”

That’s the thing about OppiKoppi – there are no divisions between organisers, punters and performers. They’re all there to contribute to the same vibe. Karen Zoid knows this. She’s been there since the start, not initially as a performer, but as a student who added to the mayhem with a rather peculiar prophylactic promotion. “I sold condoms,” laughs the rock legend. “I had these men dressed in nappies cruising around with prams and selling these novelty rubbers. It worked really well.” And why not? If there’s a place for grown men dressed as babies to help promote safe sex, then it’s OppiKoppi.

But it’s when Karen started performing at the festival, something she’s been doing almost every year for over a decade, that she got to feel the real power of the experience. “It’s like one big family,” she enthuses. “The lineup is so diverse and bold, but we’re all in it for the music and it shows. Carel and the crew are incredible at getting it right every time – they’re not afraid to try out new artists or to introduce acts that most of the fans wouldn’t usually be in to. They’ll book someone like Malaika, and before you know it the whole party is getting down to a sound they’ve never heard before. They pull it off because everyone involved loves music first. It’s a musician’s dream to play there.”

Here views are mirrored by the diverse number of musos who’ve performed over the years. “I’ve played there many times and it’s always been an incredible experience,” says guitar virtuoso and international star Vusi Mahlasela. “They really give you the platform to showcase yourself, and it’s wonderful that it’s not just the noted artists who perform, they’re always breaking new acts. The stages are always full of so many different artists playing so many different styles. Mr. Koos Kombuis agrees with the accolades heaped on OppiKoppi. “It's the biggest show in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the biggest parties in the Galaxy,” says the man who, by his own admission, has been involved with the festival since what seems like the dawn of time.

These praises are fitting because they’re from the very people that OppiKoppi set out to champion. From the start, back when it wasn’t accepted thinking, the organisers were totally committed to South African music. “OppiKoppi grew up from the trenches,” explains Carel. “And we still perceive ourselves to be in the trenches with the musicians.” It’s this individual spirit that keeps the festival alive today. Non-conformist, left-of-centre, underground – call it what you will, the fact is that there’s an open-mindedness here that is sorely lacking in today’s sausage-factory entertainment world. OppiKoppi knows that music brings people together, and has worked tirelessly to represent the beautifully broad spectrum of South African styles. Like a 3-day therapy session, OppiKoppi is a temporary autonomous zone, a space to let loose, let rip and get caught up in the complete madness festival fun.

“The August festival is over my birthday,” smiles Karen. “So whilst it’s always very special, last year was particularly memorable because the whole audience sang happy birthday to me. That was touching and, along with Carel dressed up in a cow suit, made my thirtieth a very moving occasion.” Vusi also has very fond memories. “I’ve been involved with some incredible collaborations at OppiKoppi, most notably with Louise Mhlanga, Albert Frost and Koos Kombuis” he reminisces. Although Mr Kombuis can’t quite note all of his special memories down, he does have loads. “Don't get me started,” he writes in an email. “I don't have enough space on my hard drive to write all that stuff.”

So, 15 years on, and OppiKoppi is just getting bigger and stronger. Levi’s® have been involved for the past seven years, and countless South Africans regard it as an essential part of their musical development – all fans need to make at least one sacred pilgrimage to Northam. This year’s festival will be closing with an official ceremony on the 9th of August where the monumental announcement will be made. But as we all know, National Monument or not, OppiKoppi is already a South African treasure. And it always will be.

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. Many of the industry’s current darlings – borderline celebrities like Ryan McGinley, Ed Zipco, Richard Kern, Dash Snow, Jerry Hsu and Terry Richardson built their reputations as VICE contributors. Similarly, their unique visual interpretations of the world have helped to define VICE’s highly successful and much-emulated style.

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 – Liam is the go-to-guy for music photography in South Africa. Over the years he has developed a reputation for capturing the zeitgeist of the local music scene, documenting SA’s top rock ‘n roll personalities in an honest and very personal way with his signature black-and-white portraits.

Dale Yudelman – Renowned for his ‘Reality Bytes’ series, a tongue-in cheek look at the co-incidental nuances of South African life, Dale was recently named ‘Photographer of the Year’ at the Sony Profoto Awards. Despite being a veteran fine art photographer, Dale’s view of the world is unique, humorous, intrepid and honest – perfect for VICE magazine.

Musa Xumalo – New on the photography scene, Market Photo Workshop graduate Musa ‘Alternative Kid’ Xumalo is making a name for himself documenting alternative/underground culture in Soweto. He recently held his first solo exhibition to considerable acclaim.

Xandre Kriel – Both a designer and a photographer, Xandre’s edgy, iconoclastic approach to fashion photography makes him an idea candidate for VICE. Operating on the periphery of the fashion world, his view of the world is as elegant as it is disturbing.

Natasja Fourie – Natasja is exploding on the local scene at the moment as a much sough-after photographer and music video director. She straddles the world of fashion and music with equal aplomb, and has been published in numerous magazines both locally and abroad.

Chris Saunders – Chris has been making waves in Joburg as an upcoming photographer and director. At 25 he already has an impressive roster of commercial clients and, aside from frequent fashion shoots and fine art exhibitions, he also has a strong feeling for gritty reportage.

That’s right, Kenzhero’s Party People together with the 206 legends DJ Bob and a Blunted Stuntman have managed to put together 3 days of awesome entertainment at the iniquitous Sipho Gumede Stage for this year’s festival at OppiKoppi.

Friday night kicks off with a killer dj lineup to get you warmed up and ready for the weekend. Appearing on the bill are some of our best loved Tech- and Jozi House dj’s, all of whom have released acclaimed mixed cd’s in 2009; Household names such as Jon S (Pimp Squad), 2Lani the Warrior, Kid Fonque, Josi Chavè, Giggs Superstar and Lulo Cafè are complemented by DeejTea all the way from Die Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein. The sets start at 3pm on Friday afternoon and run until 4am (at least) on Saturday morning.

On Saturday 8th the stage hosts an impressive array of top bands and dj’s in true 206 spirit. Starting at 9am with Pretoria’s own Dj Bubbles alongside DeejTea, the lineup meanders through hip hop newcomers 3rd World State of Mind, Cde Fatso and Chabvondaka (Zim), Steadyrock, live breaks by Mr Sakitumi, Jozi Funksters Kwani Experience, a showcase of Marrabenta music by Mozambique’s Radio Marrabenta, Jozambican dubstars 340ML, Gugulethu social rapper Teba (with live band this time!), a visual and aural mash-up by Farmer James and Videon and African Dope superstars Mix & Blend and Dank with the Bakaman. A Blunted Stuntman comes in to top it off and take you through till sunrise on Sunday. Eish.

Come Sunday the 9th we celebrate Women’s day, and what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion than with an all-women lineup of the most dulcet singers, bands and dj’s brought to you by DJ Kenzhero under the Party People banner. Cape Town DJ’s Miss H and DJ Goldigga will spin before, between and after the live acts. These include Siya Makuzeni’s new project Ipi Fuze, folk singer Laurie Levine, Soulstress Khethi, Pretoria songbird FIFI, Durban’s Skyewanda, Nthabi and her Hip Hop outfit, and EJ von Lyrik (Godessa) with her live funk project. To top it off Thandiswa Mazwai headlines the stage with a full band. DJ Bob has agreed to open the stage and play the morning set on Sunday from 9am until 12, when Goldigga and Miss H take over. DJ kenzhero himself closes the festival after the acts on Sunday night until the early hours of Monday morning (Monday is a public holiday).

Tickets are on sale at www.tunegum.com visit www.oppikoppi.co.za for a lineup of all four stages, map and other info. Also check out www.myspace.com/djkenzhero or www.myspace.com/partypeoplesa and www.djbob.co.za for more info.

Contact djbob@djbob.co.za for biog’s and pics on the artists.

Normally when you get home from Oppikoppi you bring a tan that washes off in the post-festival shower, hazy memories of unbelievable performances and injuries from falling off the counter in the small bar on the koppi. This year’s different though. This year you get to bring home a collection of music from some of your favourite artists in one package!

Oppikoppi and Sheer Sound brings you Oppikoppi Smoorverlief the CD. 25 songs packaged on two discs including music from Fokofpolisiekar, Zebra & Giraffe, The Dirty Skirts, 340ml, aKING, Farryl Purkiss, Tidal Waves and many more!

The album will be available at the merch tent for R140 or if you buy your tickets at www.tunegum.com you can grab a ticket for the festival and your very own copy of the compilation for a mere R500. That means you have R40 more to spend on beer. Score!

Full tracklisting for the compilation is as follows:-

Disc 1

1. Fokofpolisiekar - Antibiotika
2. Zebra & Giraffe - In My Eyes
3. The Dirty Skirts - Rolling Like Thunder
4. The Arrows - Next Time
5. Kwani Experience - Chant Down Fear
6. Melissa McClelland – Brake [Canada]
7. Riku Latti - Smoorverlief
8. Crashcarburn - Heroes
9. Taxi Violence - Untie Yourself
10. Die Heuwels Fantasties - Finger Alleen
11. Kidofdoom - Gotham City
12. Laurie Levine - Three O'Clock
13. Albert Frost – Television

Disc 2

1. Bed On Bricks - Social Stimulator
2. aKING - I Believe
3. Ashtray Electric - Quite Overstared
4. 340ml - Fairy Tales
5. Foto Na Dans - Natuurlik Verlig
6. Lucky Fonz III - Once I Was A Lady [The Netherlands]
7. Wrestlerish - Haunting An Empty House
8. Tidal Waves - Rapolotiki
9. Farryl Purkiss - Déjà Vu
10. Luke Doucet - Beacon On The Southpaw [Canada]
11. Karen Zoid - Mama's Gonna Sort You Out
12. Van Coke Kartel - Wat Het Van Ons Geword

With OppiKoppi 09 Smoorverlief turning 15 and being declared a National Heritage Monument, it’s time to go all out. Levi's® are proud to announce their very own stage at Oppikoppi, Levi's® Bushveld Originals which allows even more diversity and outstanding South African musical talent then previous years. Oppikoppi has been listed as one of the 10 best festivals in the world and iconic jeans brand Levi's® has been part of this success for the past six years.

The Levi's® Bushveld Original stage will be a collaboration of musical styles that defy definition. Expect to hear anything from Kwaito to Punk, Hip Hop to Folk, Acoustic to Rock and anything in between. Championing these styles will be some of South Africa’s finest original artists. Rubbing shoulders over the weekend will be – amongst a host of other widely varied musos – big names like Farryll Purkiss, Albert Frost, Cassettte, Jack Hammer, Van Coke Kartel & Gerald Clark, Jack Parow, Pity the Fool, Luna Paige, Luke Doucet & Melissa McClelland, Riku Latti, Die Antwoord, Twee Nelle, ‘n Bottel en ‘n Barnard and Lucky Fonz III. It doesn’t get more diverse than that. Truly South African. Truly world-class.

Oppikoppi 09 Smoorverlief is going to be fabulous – that much we know. The line-up’s looking absolutely incredible, the weather’s going to be perfect and the atmosphere will be charged. And the Levi’s® brand is giving you the option to hear it your way. Don’t miss out.

So, what more is there to say, other than get your tickets at  www.tunegum.com You know that when Levi's® Original Music and Oppikoppi get together it’s going to be so good.

Lloyd Ross, an ooold friend of Oppikoppi is busy with a highly ambitious project about SA culture in all its forms, and what better way to show the vibrancy of Afrikaans youth than the hedonistic excess of this weekend of dust, doringboome, beer, love that pounding rhythms. Lloyd believes that following a couch from someone's lounge to the festival would provide a great device to introduce the rest of the world to the sights, sounds (and smells) of the great institution that Oppikoppi has become.

If you think this sounds like a good idea too and are taking your sofa to the bushveld this weekend, let Lloyd know dammit!: lloyd@shifty.co.za or 082 783 0649.