Littlegig promises the best

Johannesburg - With the December festive spirit already knocking at the door, the Littlegig festival was launched at Maboneng in Johannesburg this week.

Everything about the event had to be different: from the beer – Striped Horse and Soweto Beer – to the Champagne in the form of Krone Borealis Vintage Cuvée Brut. The set-up was casual and creative. No wonder the Akanamali hitmaker Samthing Soweto got everyone dancing with his captivating voice.

It was hosted at the picturesque Hallmark House, designed by world-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, who also designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

Littlegig founder Georgia Black said the third edition of the festival was scheduled to take place from February 17 to 18 next year, in Stellenbosch. It will showcase emerging talent from musicians to DJs, chefs, winemakers, artists, designers and performers.

“It’s a highly creative, meticulously curated, detail-oriented festival. Our team spent a year curating this event,” she boasted.

She described Littlegig as “a sophisticated rave – a space where you can be hedonistic but still feel looked after”.

Black started it in 2014 as a series of music concerts in Cape Town. Based on their success, she saw a gap in the festival market for about 1 500 people targeting tastemakers and thought leaders – people who are time-poor and who need connection and inspiration.

Each area of the festival is designed by a top stylist, under the creative lead of Littlegig’s Bielle Bellingham.

Other highlights are Afro-folk sensation Bongeziwe Mabandla, futuristic queer music act Umlilo and Stash Crew, electro-soul songstress Nonku Phiri, DJ Gilles Peterson and Ninja Tune-approved Sibusile Xaba.

But entry is not cheap – at least R2 300 – which comes with meals and drinks. For those wanting a sleepover, a basic camping tent costs R1 450. Glamping tents range from R2 950 to R6 450.