Being one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, the beautiful abode of South Africa has more than enough music festivals to offer for those of you up for the travel. Here are The Sherp’s top picks.
1. Splashy Fen
(Image : Jono Hornby)
Splashy Fen has been around in South Africa for quite some time. Ever since its inception in 1990, the longest-running music festival in the country has always offered a unique outdoor experience to festival-goers. The festival happens on a farm near Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a 4-day long festival that happens during Easter time, and is often considered Africa’s answer to Glastonbury.
2. AfrikaBurn
(Image: voyagevixens.com)
An official subsidary to the much-bigger Burning Man festival, AfrikaBurn happens on a private farm near the Tankwa Karoo National Park, situated about 250 miles away from Cape Town. The annual festival began operations in 2007, and now attracts visitors from at least 50 countries around the world. Temporary artworks are constructed and burned off at the end of the festival. The dates are usually in the month of April-May, and just like its parent, festival-goers are called Burners.
3. Ultra South Africa
(Image : soundlr.com)
Arguably one of the the biggest mainstream EDM properties in the world, Ultra made its way to South Africa in 2014, and hasn’t slouched since. The South African edition of the mega-festival happens in Johannesburg and Cape Town, for 2 days in each city, according to the 2016 edition. Some extremely big acts like Tiesto, Nicky Romero and Krewella have come down in the past, and Ultra has bigger plans in store for the upcoming editions.
4. Oppikoppi
(Image : Derius Erasmus)
Originally a celebration of rock music,Oppikoppi has since evolved into a multi-genre festival that spans 3 days in the month of August. Oppikoppi had its humble beginnings in 1994, with 27 acts performing for a handful of people, and has since bloated up in size to host more than 16000 attendees every year. Every year, the theme of the festival changes, with some weird names like “Way Of The Dassie” and “Rock Paper Scissors” for themes.
5. Synergy Live
One of the bigger South African music festivals out there, Synergy Live is a 3-day extravaganza that usually happens during the month of December. An eclectic mix of mainstream and underground artists adorn the lineups every year, and it also features a comedy stage for people to unwind.
(Images :Β Mik Motala photography)
6. Rocking The Daisies
(Image : by Kurt Sassenburg)
Another electronic festival to feature in the country, Rocking The Daisies is a 4-day festival that comprises of a mind-blowing 9 stages, making sure there’s a ways something for everyone. RTD happens during the month of October, and takes place at the Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. If you’re looking for a festival other than Ultra to cure your electronic music addiction, this is the place to be.
7. Earthdance
(Image : www.psymedia.co.za)
Officially named Earthdance Global Peace Party, this festival- combined-fundraiser has been happening since 1997, and has grown to host over a hundred music artists from all kinds of genres. Starting out with psytrance, Earthdance now features Techno and Drum n’ Bass as genres too. The annual festival usually happens in the month of September during the International Peace Day.
(Image : Mallix)
8. Cape Town International Jazz Festival
(Image : Cape Town International Jazz Festival)
The biggest jazz festival in Africa, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival also happens to be the fourth largest of its type in the world. Since its first edition in 2000, the mega-festival has been treating fans to a wonderful collection of live jazz music from some renowned bands and artists from across the globe. Equally famous is the Free Community concert that happens before the festival, giving locals a taste of some fine jazz music free of charge.
(Image :Β Β Cape Town Jazz Festival)
Think we’ve missed out on a few? Let us know in the comments section!