Rock ’n roll is good. And rock ’n roll is true. And rock ’n roll has a good chance of saving a small piece of South Africa. If only for a few days each year.

So from Friday, 7 to Sunday, 9 August, why don’t you take some time off and dive into the dusty ocean of tunes, friends and freedom in the little Forbidden City.

OppiKoppi turns 21 this year and the line-up for the festival is fast becoming one of the most impressive and diverse in the festival’s history.

Mixing lots of fresh new faces extracted from a brand new generation, with some South African and international legends. And of course doing this, using almost every genre this country has to offer. Even choir tunes make an unrehearsed appearance this year. It really is a private moment of joy for any tune fanatic to just read and think through the full lineup.

Just think for a moment, for instance, about the internationally acclaimed wonderlust kings Gogol Bordello (US) on the same stage as Johnny Clegg. Or Robin Auld on the same stage as Karen Zoid. Or the super sophisticated power jazz trio Tatran (IL) on the same stage as Shortstraw.

Here are a few nice ways to make the weekend unforgettable (for you, or your friends):

(Side note: remember that rock 'n roll memories are earned, they don’t just fall in your lap. Or not every night.)

Naked Run

The OppiKoppi 1000 Naked Run Dash has become an annual institution bursting (sic) from its collective seams. Various Categories: Au Naturel, Dress Up, Dress Down. They are even working on a relay round. Pack your running shoes and a friend and you could have your name(s) immortalized in sand. You have until the morning of the race to register your team. Join the growing peloton of freedom fighters.

Vos Run

Equally important has become the tribe of dress up characters of wild descriptions. Anything goes or has gone. Bring your cape. Fly.

Reasonably Grand Parade

Hear ye, hear ye. Introducing for the first time ever: Reasonably Grand Parade. Collecting all the characters, dust bowl prophets, players and dancers. Everyone who looks like are having or have had a good time. Late afternoon on Sunday, starting in Mordor finishing in front of the main stage. Look out for details at the festival.

Northam se Uitgewasde Seunskoor (Vir Mans en Vrouens)

Once in a lifetime, once in a dustbowl. Almost like Brigadoon for rock ’n roll kids. A choir of 30 semi professional singers will join Francois van Coke on Main Stage.

Campfire songs

Introducing the first ever campfire song initiative. Look out for choristers and provocateurs during the festival.

Couch Competition

For many years a campfire couch has been the ultimate collector’s piece. The tradition will proudly live on. Best couches are selected to see selected sets from the main stage. Dress yours well and make sure they are well placed to be spotted by our incognito judges.

Other things to look out for at the festival - Oppikoppi Comedy, Poetry Free For All, Ons Kleintjie readings and more.

Tunes in, tunes out.
Long Live
The OppiKoppi Family

For more information, download the OppiKoppi programme.