Arts Writer
CHRIS Chameleon, Emo Adams, Koos Kombuis and Radio Kalahari Orkes are some of the headliners taking centre stage on Saturday at the much-loved harvest festival, the ATKV-Oesfees. Held at the Solms-Delta wine estate in the Franschhoek Valley, the ATKV-Oesfee s was recently recognised as tourism-related event/festival of the year in the Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards for 2015.
This ninth annual Oesfees, which takes place on Human Rights Day weekend, is a feast of real Boland music and culture, and features over 100 uniquely performers. The showcase also celebrates the end of the harvest, bringing together farm workers and farm owners, as well as music and wine enthusiasts.
“Although the event attracts a wide variety of people, we are all united by our love of music, fine wine, great food and a good party,” said Hagen Viljoen of Solms-Delta.
Launched in 2008, the Oesfees has grown from a small farm celebration to a popular regional festival with over 5000 people in attendance in 2015. Japie Gouws, MD of the ATKV-Group says, “The event has grown into a significant feature on the South African cultural calendar and demonstrates the importance of music and culture and the role that they play in unifying communities.”
The festival is also a showcase for the Music van de Caab project, which seeks to preserve the diverse musical heritage of the rural Cape, including the fostering of musicians.
An important part of this festival are the performances by Solms-Delta’s very own homegrown bands amongst all the top talent. This event attracts international interest as a roots revival event.
The bandstand will feature Emo Adams, maverick Afrikaans singer Koos Kombuis, Chris Chameleon along with RKO (Radio Kalahari Orkes), slide guitar sensation Hannes Coetzee, Hot Water, hip hop/folk fusion band, Tribal Echo and more.
An interesting addition this year is the Wasgoedlyn Project, with Riku Latti, Churchil Naudé, Willim Welsyn, Lochner de Kock and Gert Vlok Nel.
A family experience, the festival caters for children with a secure Kidz Zone.
Parents can sign in their children (2 and 12) for supervised play. Traditional fare will also be available to purchase on the day, plus Solms-Delta wines.
Gates open 9am and music is from 10am to 9pm.
l Book: www.plankton. mobi, or at the gate. Entry for the under 2’s free. Information: 021 874 3937, www.solms-delta.co.za or www.oesfees. co.za, Follow on facebook SolmsDelta Die Oesfees and Twitter @solms_delta. @DieOesfees Twitter hashtag: #ATKV-Oesfees