Festival review: Misty Waters 2025

By Marley

Oh, Misty Waters, Misty Waters, how we love thee – and the 2025 edition was filled with a reunion of friends, music, discovery, cold, and a whole lot of love.

I hadn’t been to Misty Waters since 2023, and she welcomed us back with open arms. I don’t camp at Misty Waters, as they offer such a great range of accommodation, so I checked into The Merchant Hotel. And I’m so glad I did, especially with the cold weather creeping into South Africa much sooner than expected. When we left Nelsparta, it was pouring with rain, but upon arriving in Secunda, we were greeted with sunshine… and a splash of mud. Okay, maybe more than just a splash – our boots could definitely testify.

The first band I caught was 3’s and 7’s – there’s potential there, give them another year or so. Radio Kalahari Orkes was an absolute thrill to watch, and with their spunky female vocalist, we were all tuned in and vibing. The queen of South African rock, Karen Zoid, had the whole crowd singing her songs right back at her, and then came Springbok Nude Girls. Ah man, what a boogie! Karen even joined them on stage for a song or two – it just completed the package beautifully. I, unfortunately, missed Betty’s Nuklear – the day’s travel had finally caught up with me.

Saturday brought clearer skies, though the mud still lingered. A chilly breeze nudged us into layering up. We kicked off the day with young Sarah Jade, followed by Basson Laas – both are now proudly added to my playlist. I got to experience Jaco van der Merwe (Bittereinder) as a solo act – wow. We need a whole lot more of that. Akkedis represented the Cape beautifully with a sunset set that felt just right. Zaan Sonnekus had all the students at his feet – and at his heart.

Special mention must go to Basson Laubscher and the Violent Free Peace. Their set created such a stunning memory – loads of people asked about this incredible guitar player afterwards. If you haven’t listened to his music, then you clearly haven’t been following Small Town Music for very long. His guitar skills? Out of this world. And his drummer, Adriaan Jordaan, was a joy to watch – solid behind the kit. Kick-ass, gents, truly kick-ass.

Prime Circle followed, and it was my first time seeing them with their new vocalist, Gavin Edwards. Did I like it? Eh, not sure yet – it’s going to take some getting used to. Then came Van Pletzen – and they had EVERYONE out of their chairs, shoes, and jackets with a sizzling set (even bananas made an appearance). Hellcats – man, oh man – I hadn’t seen these cats since Mieliepop 2022, and they were even better. A duo you need to see if you love to rock out. Lefokolodi was interesting, but I’ll be honest – my bed was calling.

Sunday delivered the perfect festival weather – warm, sunny, and ideal for those sweet festival outfits and open-toe shoes. I arrived just as Hoot n Anny began to play – their song “Op die skouers van ‘n reus” is a beautiful dedication to their friend, Kobus de Kock Jr. They didn’t need to say much – their music said it all.

Black Heidi – how do I even describe them? You’ve never seen anything like it, and their vocalist pulls off an all-white outfit like nobody’s business. A festival band that deserves headline gigs across the country (just like many on the Misty Waters lineup). Monkeys and Indie Dog (filling in for Ann Jangle) kept the energy flowing. Then, Arno Carstens and Albert Frost arrived in their magical capes and played the sun right out of the sky. Once again, a perfect sunset act.

Jeremy Loops was a Misty Waters first-timer, and he brought all the energy – the crowd devoured it like paninis. The Black Cat Bones – also a first for me with their new vocalist, Gareth Wilson. I’ve known Gareth since South Gypsy Queen days, but I truly fell in love with BCB all over again. Their new song “Something You Said” had me bawling like a baby. It’s a heartfelt tribute to one of the coolest cats out there.

And then… The Narrow. The most talked-about band on Sunday – and for good reason. Ending their SA tour at Misty Waters, Hanu de Jong and the crew held nothing back. We headbanged like it was 2005 and they were right in our faces – loud and proud. I missed Defy Theory, but I was told in no uncertain terms that I couldn’t go to bed without seeing Doomfairy. And wow – if you think you’ve heard every genre out there, think again. Doomfairy mixes metal and techno like Merlin mixes magic. I didn’t know what to expect – I’d only heard the name – but what a wild ride. Another project from Hanu de Jong, and if you’ve ever “raved” in the old-school sense, then this was for you. A mind-blowing closing act, and the crowd was massive – one of the biggest for a Sunday closer. Well played, Doomfairy, well played.

All in all, Misty Waters has grown from strength to strength. The bathroom blocks? Heaven-sent. No more porty-loo nightmares. The bars? Spot on – clean and efficient (massive shout-out to the cleaning teams). The food choices? So good. I discovered my new go-to panini (Avo, cheese, and biltong) and found a new fave at Strip Cheeze – the best chicken wings you’ll ever eat. The Smoking Den, run by the vibrant Desire, was a lifesaver more than once with her vibe and energy.

My only gripe? No non-alcoholic beer. I know, I know – I get chirped for drinking it, but really, you do eventually get over cold drink after cold drink. The Merchant Hotel was top-notch as always. Even after we lost one of our room keys, the service was excellent. Great coffee too, and breakfast that set the tone just right for the day. Another thing I appreciated – The stage only opened at midday. It gave us time to enjoy breakfast, relax at the camp (or in bed), and recharge properly.

Misty Waters remains the best festival in the South African music scene – hands down. But it will always need us – the fans – to support it. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned OG, this is a festival worth experiencing. You don’t have to know every band. Just one is enough. Go discover some new grooves. If a guy in a wheelchair, in the mud, can do it, so can you.

Thank you to the entire Misty Waters team – there are so many of you behind the scenes. From the security and medical staff to the archers who lit the Misty Waters sign, to the incredible organising crew – thank you for keeping it the kind of festival we can all look forward to year after year.

See you in 2026.

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.