By Ashley Allard
Stellenbosch is a hub of creative activity, which is made even more clear around Toyota US Woordfees. If you are unfortunate enough not to be acquainted with the shining stars of the Stellenbosch music scene, here are a couple recommendations to get you started!
Aflos
If you are a regular at Aandklas, there is no way you have not heard of them. This rag-tag team of musicians, led by Jess Meissner, have made their presence known, carrying the heart of Stellenbosch in their coming-of-age-esque melodies. Aflos member Josh Swanepoel pins down their genre as a mengelmoes between indie-rock, punk and ska. In a sentence, Aflos channels that particular feeling of dancing barefoot and whiskey-drunk across your friend’s kitchen tiles. Their discography is a perfect fit for the pre-drinks speakers, and they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Recommendation: Outside, Inside
Cara Rossouw
With only one released song – at this point in time – Cara Rossouw will have you begging for more. Poetry put to soft guitar, her single, Ontken, is a work of art. Ontken perfectly captures the bittersweet, young romance which, if you are a Matie, you may find all too familiar. It ignites a particular kind of gees to hear your town mentioned in such mellifluous prose.
Recommendation: Ontken
Kobus.
For long drives from Stellenbosch to Cape Town or amber-tinted sundowners at Coetzenburg, Kobus. (“met ‘n punt”) is an artist you must definitely add to your summer playlist. Inspired by artists like Roy Blair, Brakence and Lukas Lex, Kobus. has been writing music since 2018 and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. With lyrics that will hit your nostalgic sweet spot, Kobus. manages to capture a skilled snapshot of effervescent youth. Keep your eyes peeled for a future English EP release!
Recommendation: Lente
John Graayenstein
With powerful vocals, breath-taking stage presence, and heart-stopping lyrics, Graayenstein is a shining star on the Stellenbosch music scene. Even though – so far – his music has only been released on YouTube, he has accrued quite the audience. Graayenstein’s music drips with melodrama and hints at an undertone of melancholy – creating nothing short of a masterpiece. His success has been both surprising and unprecedented, but is definitely deserved. Graayenstein plans on releasing his first EP soon, experimenting with the limitations of orchestral pop and perpetuating his message of letting go in order to fly.
Recommendation: FLY
