By Team STM
The dust has settled, and the cruisers left the Lowveld. The Toyota Innibos 2025 arrived, left us in awe and disappeared over the horizon again to be back in 2026. We experienced a lot of new things after 21 years of Innibos, but also all the familiarities.
First of all, what a crazy few days it was—filled with books, friends, family, and so much more. We are so grateful for the opportunity we received to attend the Toyota Innibos.
It kicked off with a sit-down at the AKTV Boeke Oase on the RSG stage, where Francois van Coke and Annie Klopper discussed his book, “Dis hoe ek dit onthou”. Speaking about the stories, the sobriety (Van Coke has been sober for over 11 years), family, kids, bands and more. It was a well-attended talk with lots more to come. The Huisgenoot Afskopkonsert for Thursday night couldn’t kick off without our traditional pizza cone—and only this specific stand at Innibos can make them like they do. We did a little walk around at sunset, digging into said dinner.
The stage was packed with big names in Afrikaans, kicking off with Appel. The massive 30 m × 8.5 m screen made it possible for everyone to see who was on stage. The long ramp also provided the crowd with the chance to get closer to their favourites. Droomsindroom has become a firm favourite for us, and the Schlebusch brothers had all of their fans on their feet. Other names included Karlien van Jaarsveld (in a pink woolly jacket), Jay and Lianie May, Dirk van der Westhuizen and Eloff. Chris Steyn reminded us of a lot of the late Theuns Jordaan—keep an eye on him. Our highlight, of course, was Francois van Coke. He again showed why he is a firm favourite with everyone: the rebel son of Afrikaans music who still can jump higher than most people and is one of the friendliest performers around.
Friday’s weather was perfect festival weather—not too cold and not too hot. People not from the Lowveld still don’t think we get cold here… until that sun disappears over the hills and the chill wind picks up. The mood was not dampened, and the grounds were painted purple for the Jacaranda FM Konsert, featuring a whole handful of Jacaranda FM presenters and household names like Bernice West, Danny Smoke, Ruhan du Toit and Die Heuwels Fantasties. The last mentioned, of course, is why we were there. They did all the favourites—including their song with Die Piesangskille, “Wat Nou?”—which has been our earworm ever since.
Saturday is usually the walk-around day, and we chilled with Sascha van Gelder at the Jacaranda FM van while she presented the Top 40. She had Zaan Sonnekus visit for an interview—and what a chilled guy. After her show, we took a walk around the Bos Mall, and the layout completely changed. It felt a bit like a maze, and I’m not sure if I saw everything, or at least not as much as I would’ve liked. The kykNET stage also changed, looking broader compared to last year’s set‑up. Soon the sun set, and it was time for the big kykNET Konsert. But first—rugby! Yes, the SA vs Argentina game was broadcast over the massive screen on the main stage. What gees! Since there was no Alternatief Stage this year, we made our way to the main stage. What a big production!
We have to tell a little story about Refentse and how we actually met. Years ago, this young man showed up with his guitar at Stoep, where we were working during one Innibos. We knew this social media sensation in 2015, and a few details later, Refentse performed his first gig in Nelspruit.
Walking down the road a decade later, it was truly a pleasure to see him on stage again. He also reached another goal—being a first-time dad. Congratulations, dude! Artists who were also on stage were Zaan Sonnekus, Die Piesangskille, Van Pletzen, Early B, Jo Black, Snotkop, Jak de Priester, Elvis Blue, Ricus Nel and a soon-to-be mom Demi Lee Moore. One performance that stood out was Corlea Botha’s version of “Pink Pony Club”—it was almost better than the original, if not the best. Jak de Priester, who wrote and sang the “Binnelanders” theme song, performed it as you’ve never heard it before. We were blown away by the production, including the dancers.
Every year Innibos honours a musician, and this year it was old Kaptein himself—Kurt Darren. He had the whole festival singing along to his hits like “Hemel op Tafelberg” and “Kaptein”—we don’t have to mention them all. The little stars of the show—Laerskool Nelspruit’s choir—joined the cast on stage for a beautiful rendition of “Mannetjies Roux”, while the screen ran images of legendary Afrikaans actors, actresses, singers and songwriters. A beautiful tribute to Theuns Jordaan and Johannes Kerkorrel brought tears to our eyes.
We talked with a range of people who attended—first‑timers, firm supporters and more. What did we miss? The alternative stage, truly, many people who grew up with Innibos grew up with the rock stage. We do miss it. That little rebel in us will most probably never die, no matter our age. We have to compliment the sound, stage and lights crew for their wonderful job—the stage was huge, the largest we have ever seen. To the cleaning crew that silently moved through the terrain and kept it spotless, thank you.
We always try to say thank you in person whenever we see you. To the security that looked after everyone, freezing in the unholy hours—thank you.
Thank you, Team Innibos, for the amazing festival, again. 21 years young and still going strong, we can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2026.
