Publications
Partners
Cape Town - It seemed like it was going to last forever, but now, with Oppikoppi 2016 done and dusted (haw haw), it is apt to look back at what made this year’s festival epic. Organisers Hilltop Live again pulled off a miracle, ensuring that things ran ever so smoothly for the 15 000-odd visitors.
Here are 5 things that made Oppikoppi 2016 epic:
1) The music
Where else in our crazy, lovely country will you find a music festival with a line-up that includes the likes of Albert Frost, Fokofpolisiekar, Adelle Nqeto, Bittereinder, Kongos, Nonku Phiri, Prime Circle, Satanic Dagga Orgy, Wonderboom, Shortstraw, Jack Parow and countless more. While it is impossible to check out every single act, there is music aplenty for every taste. Newcomers Georgetown deserves a special mention for their unique folk sound and memorable tunes. Do check them out some time.
What really stood out for me this year was a travelling stage of musos – including the likes of Riku Latti, Churchill Naude, Bacchus Nel, Rian Malan (yes, that Rian), Les Javan and many more collaborators – who "toured" Mordor to promote their new TV show. It starts on 11 August on kykNET Nou (channel 146).
2) The comedy
Ya wouldn’t think a pack of comedians could attract a sizable crowd of hung-over Koppi revellers, but they sure pulled it off. With seasoned comics like Warren Robertson, Melt Sieberhagen, Hannes Brummer and Simmi Areff, as well as younger acts like the already-established Schalk Bezuidenhout and Laz Gola, there were loads of laughs and cackles and heckles to start your day off with a grin.
3) The food
Forget hot dogs and burgers (there were those too), when it comes to gourmet street food, Oppikoppi has a lot on offer. Options included real Greek food with fresh salad, Panini bread and a huge helping of tzatziki, Mexican fare, the most scrumptious Asian crispy chicken burgers and real wood-oven pizza. And don’t forget the roosterkoeke – those are a must! Gourmet coffee was also on offer, in case you are way too urban for Ricoffy.
4) Kreef Hotel
The go-to "point-five-star tent hotel" will always be Kreef, where Chris and his wife Tania seem to be awake 24/7 to look after their guests’ every need. They served up life-saving breakfasts, provided the comfort of all-day showers and their campfire was the place to be for impromptu fireside jams by residing artists. I’ve heard the other tent hotels are also pretty kiff, but Kreef creates a sense of a home away from home. (A peanut butter and jam sandwich never tasted so good.)
5) The people
This year again produced the most eclectic, crazy crowd of music lovers ever assembled. Until next year, that is. Young and old trod the dusty paths for their music fix, or merely to hook up with friends in the efficient and quick-serving kuier areas. I certainly never came across any sort of hooliganism, fighting or even littering. It was all about love – for one another and the music. You guys made Oppikoppi For the lovely young taken to THE UNSEA 2016 rock!
Until next time, in dust we trust!
(Photos: Henry Engelbrecht and Riaan Grobler)
