Oppikoppi: A South African Heritage site

Oppikoppi is an annual Music Festival that takes place in Northham/Limpopo during the month of August. It was founded by Carel Hoffman. Oppikoppi has been running since 1995 and has quickly become the leading Music Festival in South Africa. The music festival has been so successful that it has managed to spawn a production company from the success of the Music Festival. Oppikoppi Productions is responsible for the Music gig's that take place at Emmarentia Dam and numerous other gigs and events. 


The Oppikoppi farm which is situated in Northam in the Limpopo Province has only one purpose, to host the Oppikoppi festival. Since 2006 Oppikoppi experimented with hosting a smaller Easter festival. However, the easter leg of the festival was cancelled this year due to lack of turn out. Even with the failed attempt of the younger Oppikoppi festival, the main event draws people from all over the country. Oppikoppi has organised a train trip from Cape Town to Northam that allows residents of the Cape to engage in the largest weekend Music Festival in South Africa. The Train ride's price includes entrance into the Oppikoppi festival and is hugely popular amongst young Cape Town residents. Individuals reside in Johannesburg and Pretoria only have to negotiate a 3 hour drive to the gates the Oppikoppi farm. 

The music festival show cases the best in South African music. The festival offers a platform for musicians of all music genera's to express themselves on the biggest scale the country can offer. The music festival often brings out one or two headline acts. The headline acts are normally from overseas and are used to attract indecisive music supporters. The headline act of this years "Oppikoppi Sexy. Crooked. Teeth Festival" is "Billy Talent" from Canada. The music festival has also changed their format this year to include the Hard Rock section of the South African music industry, a segment that Oppikoppi is notorious for neglecting. Bands like Facing the Gallows and Pestroy will represent the Hard Rock/Metal segment of the South African music industry, Oppikoppi obviously did their research. The festival however has chosen to slightly neglect the Afrikaans music market. Bands like Foto na dance, Fokofpolisiekar, Kidofdoom, Jan Blom and Bok van Blerk. However, Afrikaans music fans can still look forward to Jack Parrow, Die Tuin Dwergies and Die Heuwels Fantasties. For the complete line-up please go to www.oppikoppi.co.za 


Oppikoppi is famous for its' display of the top bands in South Africa, its' excellent and experienced organizing and for its' dust. However, Oppikoppi is equally famous for its' amazing vibe. Individuals who would normally never socialize are brought together in a drunken haze of unity. Music festivals have their own rules and norms, and Oppikoppi has the friendliest and most peaceful vibes' of all the music festivals I have experienced. Just shout "Oppi" when you are there and you will see what I mean   


The music Festival begins on mid-day Thursday the 6th of August and ends on Monday the 9th of August. Tickets are available on line at www.ticketbreak.co.za.


Here is a highlight package of the 2009 Oppikoppi Smoorverlief Festival(filmed by Klaus Bauer)