Held every year in the quaint French-influenced town of Franschhoek, the day-long music festival of Oesfees pulled out all of the stops. Emo Adams, Valiant Swart, Hot Water and Radio Kalahari Orkes were just some of the acts on show, write Times Live, with a showstopping performance at the end by Mango Groove. The popular act, fronted by the effervescent Claire Johnston, rolled out all of the classic hits, including ‘Hometalk’ and ‘Dance Some More’, to a jubilant crowd. As South Africa’s longest-charting band, the multi-platinum sellers have clearly not lost their touch. It also proved a fitting way to end this year’s Oesfees.
Supported by Springbok Nude Girls member Adriaan Brand’s Music van de Caab project, the 6-year old festival showcased numerous local bands and dancers. Attendees were particularly thrilled by a traditional Riel dance performance.
“Programs like this one are terribly important, especially in the Winelands with its legacy of slavery and alcoholism,” Brand told Times Live. “Music is intrinsic to the construction of a positive identity, for really, music is us.”
By James Francis
