By Marley
A winning recipe by far is judged at the end of the cooking process; this year’s edition of Innibos Nasionale Kunstefees was truly a Michelin star plate.
My Innibos started on Wednesday evening with a real Afrikaans alternative: Koos Kombuis and Valiant Swart live on one stage. These two Afrikaans legends shared stories and jokes on the stage. With 400 people sitting in front of them, they were in awe of the crowd’s attendance. They shared stories from their youth in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. How some songs were written, like Valiant’s song “(Sy dra te veel) eyeshadow,” “Die wyntannies,” en “Ek en die blues”. Koos, with his signature red wine on stage, was a joy to listen to. I read a lot of his books when I was in school and did some of his poetry in Afrikaans. It was the first time I could sit down and watch this man perform. He got emotional through some songs, and his Johannes Kerkorrel sticker on his guitar reminded me of his ghost, which we still miss amongst Afrikaans poets. Of course, he plays “Onder in My Whiskey Glas” at the request of a crowd member. It’s one of my favourites, and I could hear Kerkorrel singing it in my head as well. “Lisa se klavier” was and will remain a goosebumps moment from head to toe. An hour and a half flew by so quickly, but it was so worth it.
Thursday, Huisgenoot Afskop, was the official first day of Innibos festival terrain, and it was filled with the gees of the stage line-up. The opening was Bok van Blerk and his band. I do enjoy his shows a lot. Because of how loudly the fans sing back his songs. Next up was Droomsindroom, and these two brothers had all the girl’s attention. This is their second Innibos, and you could see the growth in their music and performances. A band to keep an eye on. Early B, with his songs like “Potte” and “Ben 10”, had all the tannies dancing as well. Van Pletzen and their “mengels” were a highlight, and it was a very good show. Early joined them on stage for a song or two. The in-between act was Valiant Swart, and his rendition of his song “Sonvanger” was sung by all ages. It sounded like a choir.
The name Barto was unfamiliar to me, and I had no idea what to expect, but I was surprised. This guy’s energy on stage is addictive. Standing in the crowd, taking photos, I could hear them sing every song. The girl’s attention was just on Barto; I could agree with them. There is a saying, “Mooi was nog nooit leilik nie.” Next up was Spoegwolf, and for those who have never been to a Spoegwolf show, they have been missing this band. Danie du Toit and the band of brothers deliver more than just a show; it’s a whole spectacular musical. With beer on the head, shirts are coming off. Danie sings with such expression, and I can never not see them.
The Friday Jacaranda FM show kicked off at 6 p.m. with Refenste. I remember seeing this young man in Nelspruit years ago at Stoep. Followed by Riaan Benade, Ricus Nel, and Demi Lee Moore. Elvis Blue, who cycled from his hometown to Innibos to raise money for the Innibos Foundation, with a brass section (which I loved) and his handsome smile, the crowd sang back the songs. To end the night was Francois van Coke, and as per usual, Francois gave his full 100% for the show. The crowd just loves watching this man, and I must admit, I wonder how he keeps it up. I overheard in the crowd a conversation between young lads. One asked, “How much do you think Franna bench presses?” and the reply was, “I would say about a guitarist,” as Francios made a signature move by picking up his guitarist, Richard, onto his shoulders. It was great to meet and see Barney Simon come back for a visit to Nelsparta. Let it not be the last one, sir!
Saturday was a wonderful, warm, and sunny day in the Lowveld. Browsing through all the stalls that sold everything from driftwood scalptyers to handmade perfumes was a truly unique experience. There was a stall that sold traditional Tonga handmade jewellery and clothes, which were very colourful. What I like about these festival stalls is that there isn’t an overload of “made in China” products that you will see at other local festivals. Well done to Team Innibos.
My first band of the day was local singer Debbie K. from White River. I was humbled and surprised by her voice and performance. I would love to see her with a full band (and maybe her own songs); her guitarist, Cash O’Reilly, did want to make you play air guitar. The next artist I saw was Janie Bay, and I’m so happy to have seen her live again. I’ve been following her career for over a decade and a half, and she’s just a multi-talented artist. She does a lot of collaborations with other artists, but this time it was just her and her guitarist, Deon Dee. She even did Early B’s rap part on “Ons en die heelal”. I knew the Alternatief stage was going to be my home for the evening, as last year had such gees. I wasn’t disappointed. From Mathew Gold right through to Die Heuwels Fantasties, the crowd was loving every single minute.
Mathew Gold had an interesting set-up with a percussionist, Justin Brendhart, a trumpet player, and live painting happening during his show. He turned the sitting-down crowd into a dancing crowd. I even saw one of the cleaners doing a little dance for a minute during a song. Matthew is now truly a lowvelder! Following Matthew was Coenie Naude with his band. He had a few line-up changes, but never the less, what an incredible show. I told Coenie afterwards that I don’t know where that guy was hiding, but he better not hide anymore. He gave it its all, and Sunny Principe on guitar certainly rounded it off as well. Hunter Kennedy (Die Heuwels Fantasties) joined Coenie on stage to perform the song “Voel Jy My”, which they co-wrote.
Zaan Sonnekus was next, and last year I just missed his show. I was, however, ready for this round. I loved the crowd’s interaction with this young artist, originally from the Free State, and if you haven’t seen Zaan yet, it’s better to get yourself to a show. Of course, the main meal of the night was Die Heuwels Fantasties. And their timing was excellent because the main stage was done halfway through their set, making that tent packed to the brim. As always, I enjoy their shows, singing myself falsely and into no voice the next day. I truly enjoyed this time.
The 2024 Innibos festival was certainly a delicious dish. I take my hat off to the team that organises the whole thing, and I thank you for organising it. Without Innibos, Nelspruit would just be another “plattelandse stad.” Thank you to every single fan who smiled for photos and supported the bands across the field. Thank you to my partner in crime, Rob, for supporting me and assisting with the photography this year. He is such a handsome assistant.
Till next year, dinner is served.
