1. FRANCE
What is it between France and South Africa that makes our music so appreciated there? Seems it was already acceptable in the 80s, where it has been said that in 1988, Michael Jackson canceled a concert in France because the great Zulu Le blanc, Johnny Clegg, was playing on the same night.
Fast-forward to the Cannes MIDEM music showcase in early 2010 at which the culture ministers of SA and France signed an agreement for cross-cultural sharing. This has already opened opportunities of exposure for South Africa with a French festival in April inviting several South African artists to perform as well as now in June, with a festival in Toulouse.
In focus: Nibs van der Spuy
A regular singer songwriter on the Europe scene, Nibs van der Spuy has developed quite a following in France and Italy. Having recently released his third solo album ‘A House Across the River’, which reflects on memories of childhood where he grew up in South Africa, it is an interesting contrast to his traveling troubadour lifestyle today where he spends half the year touring in Europe.
Along with a few other SA artists, Nibs will be playing at the Rio Loco festival in Toulouse on 21 June as well as a London show on 3 June. A Nibs show is an intimate and magical experience of energy, spirit and amazing guitar.
2. UK
London has long been a starting point for SA bands wishing to try their hand in the UK scene, and it has equally become a stopping point for bands to play to the expat community.
From UK-based Joburg melodic rockers Starseed who are grinding away consistently at the rock scene and receiving acknowledgement for their sound and showmanship with a recent support slot for UK alternative band Senser in June, to the one man SA singer songwriters who play the capital’s many stages and of course a popular stopping band is Johnny Clegg, bringing its brand of nostalgia and a sense of belonging to Saffas.
In focus: Johnny Clegg
The Johnny Clegg crew are regular globe trotters, touring for most of the summer months of Europe. Following two successful UK shows in August 2008 after having played Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration in Hyde Park a month earlier and then three years earlier, a show at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2005, it is now 2010 and Johnny Clegg is bringing back the magic along with releasing a 30 years best of album.
The Johnny Clegg experience comes to London during the World Cup on 19 June to bring the SA spirit to those in the UK! A Johnny Clegg show is a rite of passage for every South African, consider it a musical history class with mandatory foot-stomping and lighter waving participation.
3. GERMANY
Germany has become a rock magnet for SA artists, with Livingston based permanently out of Berlin for the past few years and other SA acts touring regularly such as Watershed and Mac Stanley who were there in April. And then there’s Dear Reader who recently won a SAMA for Best Adult Contemporary English album and are signed to Berlin label City Slang. Another regular in Germany is South Africa’s afro fusion bunch, Freshlyground.
In focus: Freshlyground
In Germany last month on 22 May, Freshlyground played the Africa Festival which is Europe’s biggest festival for African music and culture. Having recently released their fourth album, Radio Africa, Freshyground are all the buzz as part of the official World Cup song with Shakira as well as the opening show in Johannesburg on 11 June.
In 2006, they took part in the official handing over ceremony for the FIFA World Cup, where they played in Germany during the closing of the last World Cup. Also in 2006, they were also the first South African band to win the MTV Europe award for Best African Act. A Freshlyground show reminds us of the cultural melting pot that is southern Africa and representative of the future of our rainbow nation!
4. US
A fair few SA artists have taken on the task of tackling the mighty US music scene. Just Jinjer gave it horns for a few years, Karma from Henry Ate is living in LA and currently working on a new album and for most, when they think of an SA artist in The States, it has to be Seether. On the same label as Seether, and having also played with Evanesence, is an up and coming SA rock band called Civil Twilight.
In focus: Civil Twilight
Starting out in Hout Bay Cape Town, the Civil Twilight boys moved to the US in 2005, first to LA and now in Nashville. In April, they released their self-titled debut album in the US and Canada, SA and Germany. Their single Letters From the Sky was picked up by iTunes as one of their free singles of the week, and has been receiving airplay on South African radio as well! They also played on Jimmy Kimmel Live last month and their song just broke top 20 on the US Billboard Alternative charts.
On 8 and 9 June, Civil Twilight will be in London for the first time before getting back to their busy US summer touring schedule. Expect great rock beats, clear lyrics and a whole lot of energy from a Civil Twilight experience.
5. AUSTRALIA
A few SA artists have traveled down under, including Nibs van der Spuy, Johnny Clegg and more. With the surfer music scene big there, one such artist who keeps on going back is Farryl Purkiss.
In focus: Farryl Purkiss
His recent SAMA nominated album, Fruitbats & Crows, is ready to be shown to the rest of the world. Farryl Purkiss is one of South Africa’s star singer songwriters and the new album shows this.
Having already traveled to Australia three times, Farryl will return to Australia in August again. In 2007, he performed the Big Day Out festival in Perth as well as the Blues and Roots festival in Byron Bay. He has also received extensive national and regional airplay in Australia. A Farryl Purkiss show is intimate and soulful, he is quite the package with an incredible voice.
