OMG Winter Concerts 2020

By Marley

Since our world has completely changed, the music industry had to reinvent itself with the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus we get to see more and more online concerts being presented. Like the good folks from Orgasmic Music Gallery (OMG) that is situated at Summerhill Farm Vineyard on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

OMG together with one of South Africa’s leading audio-visual engineers to
provide audiences with an innovative, interactive and immersive experience to bring you a series of curated, quality live streams with the launch of their Winter Concerts. Their line up is super impressive and a real South African mix that will really suit any music taste. Just like at a festival.

First, upon Wednesday 22 July, is “Heart of Gold: A Neil Young Tribute, as performed by Akkedis”. Each performance of the classic rock trio from Somerset West contains at least three renditions of Young’s well-known (and lesser known) hits, like ‘Old Man‘, ‘Down by the River’ and ‘Harvest Moon’. “It’s always a privilege for us to interpret his songs,” says Arthur Dennis (vocals and guitar). “It brings back many memories of our youth. Young was our first and single greatest influence.”

Akkedis are no strangers to the readers of Small Town Music and for years they came to Nelspruit to perform at Blue Moon. Truly a blues-rock band that is worthy of doing a tribute show to one of the most decorated international singer/songwriters – Neil Young.

The show starts at 18:00 (CAT) and tickets are R80 – avaliable via www.homestage.co.za

Next, you can get comfortable for Warongx on Thursday 23 July at 13:00 (CAT). This electrifying Afro/blues-rock duo straight out of the “United States of Khayelitsha” are pioneers in a genre of Afro/Blues-rock, tinged with reggae and maskandi influences. Born in the Eastern Cape, Ongx Mona (guitar and vocals) and Wara Zintwana (bass and backing vocals) share a musical dream and a productive 10-year working relationship. Ongx has shared his music with audiences in Europe and the United States.

Then if that doesn’t rock your boat (it should) then tune in at 18:00 (CAT) again on Thursday 23 July for true African gem of a voice. She describes the genre of music she writes and performs as ‘traditional African fusion’ which personifies blues, jazz and traditional African music. Nomawethu (Nhoza) Sitsholwana is not to be missed. Nhoza, who proudly calls herself unolali, meaning ‘village girl’, uses a natural skill to combine her deep-seated traditional African harmonies with strong blues/rock influences that she picked up from her years on the Capetonian music scene. You might know her from her performances with Crimson House.

Friday 24 July at 18:00 (CAT) you can tune in online via OMG for Hugo Veldsman. Hugo tells the tale of excess, mediocrity, suburban life, corruption and emotions from his personal little world (in a very flavourful upbeat and sensitive style). He is very much a storyteller, always talking about how these songs came into being through his experiences. His folk-like sound is emphasized by his skills as a classically trained guitarist (having studied Music at the Stellenbosch Conservatory) and often incorporating Blues roots. His incorporation of the lap-steel guitar became a favoured instrument in his arsenal, especially his signature Imperial Weissenborn.

Last but not least is Tomas Taljaard (he spent a few years here in the Lowveld before relocating to Gauteng) who performs on Saturday 25 July at 18:00 (CAT). Well-versed in traditional and modern folk, bluegrass and pre-war blues, Tomas’ songwriting and solo acoustic performances reflect an earnest and mindful approach to the craft of storytelling through song, inspired by his heroes – Bob Dylan, Jack White, Willie Watson, Billy Strings, Rory Gallagher and Howlin’ Wolf, and the tales told by his favourite authors, Tom Robbins, Hemingway, Steinbeck, among others. As Tomas revisits his heroes’ songs and performs his own compositions, the heart and depth of his own voice pull listeners in. Tomas’ acoustic guitar and harmonicas are always with him and are all that it takes to rouse an audience. Sometimes, in true country-blues fashion, his mandolin or banjo make an appearance too.

All of these shows and MUCH MORE you can find on OMG’s Facebook page or their website. Thank you, team OMG for keeping SA music alive during this crazy time.

These shows are streamed for free and the artist fees are totally dependent on donations. Donations are welcomed and you can EFT into the following account using the artists’ name as a reference:
OMG (PTY) LTD
ABSA cheque account
4098094215
Branch code:632005

Marley VW

Marley is the founder and owner of Small Town Music. Born and bred in Nelspruit aka Nelsparta. Marley loves music (rock being a firm favourite), tattoos, festivals, animals and South Africa. Self-taught photographer and writer.