Some of South Africa’s top bands will be gathering at Malongane from 2 to 6 September for the second FORR festival. The focus has definitely been on quality rather than quantity with crowd entertainment being the main criteria. More bands will be added to the line-up soon including at least 3 up and coming bands selected from the FORRTunes evenings. Bands wishing to partake in the FORRTunes evenings can contact Albert (albert@forr.co.za/083-399-3066). So far the following artists (in alphabetical order) have been confirmed:
Akkedis (Strand)
Daar is min bands wat ‘n party aan die gang kan kry soos Akkedis. Of dit nou op die verhoog is of daar langsaan, van een ding kan jy seker wees, die Akkedisse sal jou goed vermaak. Hulle klank is opregte Afrikaanse rock uit die Kaap wat jou nie vir een oomblik laat stil staan nie.
Chiba Fly (Pretoria)
Since changing from an acoustic duo to a full band Chiba Fly has started to create world music that will appeal to all ages and races. Their acoustic vibe with upbeat tempos inspired by Afro-Cuban, blues, and rock will get audiences dancing from the first song.
Cortina Whiplash (Pretoria)
Cortina Whiplash simply put, plays hot rock and delivers it with a good side of sexy stage acrobatics. The music is pure old school rock ‘n roll at its core but also represents elements of their individual musical backgrounds. The all girl outfit have been performing live together for the past five years and in an era where so many artists are over-produced and packaged, it’s refreshing to find a down to earth band comprised of strong live performers.
Dan Patlansky (Durban)
What Dan Patlansky can do with a six-string Fender Stratocaster at the age of 26, most critically acclaimed guitarists will never quite achieve in a lifetime.
In only ten years on the music scene, Dan Patlansky is one of the busiest and most respected blues artists to ever come out of South Africa. Put this Blues guru in the beautiful setting of Malongane and you will have a show that will be remembered for years to come.
Die Kaalkop Waarheid (Pretoria)
Die Kaalkop Waarheid se genre is uniek in die Suid-Afrikaanse mark en kan met ‘n mondvol as Afrikaanse akoestiese big band folk-rock musiek beskryf word. Die lirieke, meestal uit die pen van Nardus du Plooy, handel oor alledaagse lewenservarings en is gevul met nostalgie, liefde en rooiwyn.
Laurie Levine (Johannesburg)
Since linking up with Lize Wiid, Laurie’s performances has shift into a new gear and she is fast building a reputation as an artist with a fresh approach and unique sound. There are few things better than listening to these beautiful voices on a tropical beach.
Margaret’s Daughter (Johannesburg)
Once upon a time, not so long ago, Margaret had a daughter. She called her Adri-Mari, or Ami for short. Fast forward a couple of years and Margaret’s Daughter has established herself as one of South Africa’s top singer/songwriters. Together with multi-instrumentalist Etienne Ghyoot, they deliver touching melodies and foot-tapping grooves to fans worldwide.
Mrs B (Pretoria)
MRS B is a 4 piece Hard Rock band best described by their electrifying and energetic stage presence. With great songs that rock your pants off this band will blow your mind with super sharp riffs and straight to the core lyrics. This energetic set is not to be missed.
Nibs van der Spuy (Durban)
Nibs is one of South Africa’s unsung music heroes and a true acoustic guitar legend. His spell bounding acoustic guitar style and beautiful lyrics always results in unforgettable shows.
Scicoustic (Pretoria)
After a year’s break from the music scene Scicoustic is back with a re-invented band. The new look band has more percussions, stronger bass sounds and a saxophone to create even more grooving tunes. With some great new and a few classic Scicoustic songs they will have the crowd on their feet in no time.
Svengali Project – Rian Malan & Lani Pieters (Johannesburg)
Die boorling van Alien Inboorling, Rian Malan, is terug. Na die sukses van Rian se collaboration met Radio Kalahari Orkes, het die liedjieskrywer sy folk wortels gaan oopvlek en die resultaat is die “Svengali Project”, sy nuwe collaboration met Lani Pieters. Soos ’n gemakstoel wat jou uitnooi om dieper te sit, neem Lani se stem jou op ’n vervoeringsreis wat bly talm, en jou dwing om jou oë toe te maak….en net te luister.
Them Particles (East Rand)
This exciting rock band with its blend of gypsy-infused blues and psychedelic-country and Eastrand-Rock has won over local audiences. Veteran musician Dax Butler has teamed up with a group of young muso’s and has created an inspired alt. folk/rock sound that appeals to young and old music lovers and revellers alike. Be ready to put on your dancing shoes for this one.
Valiant Swart (Stellenbosch)
20 jaar gelede het Valiant Swart sy debut gemaak as solo kunstenaar toe hy vir sy vriend Koos Kombuis ge-open het. Vandag, met meer as ‘n honderd oorspronklike komposisies wat op CD vrygestel is, is Valiant ‘n huishoudelike naam. Sommige van sy geharde ondersteuners voel dat hulle hom verloor het aan die massas, maar in September keer hy terug na Malongane om sy 20 jaar op die pad te vier met sy ou styl van alternatiewe Afrikaanse rock & roll. Vir ondersteuners van die “ou” Valiant gaan hierdie beslis ‘n vertoning wees wat jy nie wil mis nie.
Voodoo Child (Johannesburg)
Live venues around Gauteng have borne testament to the growth of the Voodoo Phunk, grounded firmly in their energetic performances on any stage. Through a combination of design and default, the band has cooked their sound up in a melting pot of funky bass-lines and rock guitars laced with catchy piano lines sprinkled over soulful, hip-hop-inspired vocals. The result is often met with confusion, but even the most hardened skeptics find themselves unwittingly drawn into a tapping of the foot or a shaking of the proverbial booty by Voodoo Child’s “get-up-and-dance” tunes.
More bands will be annouced soon.
To book for the festival please visit http://www.forr.co.za/Bookings