Oppikoppi

Oppikoppi was a legendary music festival held in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, near Northam. What began as a rock-centered event soon flourished into a celebration of diverse genres, including jazz, world music, house, and even comedy. Every year during the first week of August—except in 2017, when it was moved to October—thousands of music enthusiasts would set up camp for several days to enjoy an eclectic mix of performances from both local and international artists.

The name "Oppikoppi" comes from the Afrikaans phrase "op die koppie" which translates to "on the hill." True to its name, the festival was hosted at a resort featuring a hilltop bar and stage. Multiple stages were scattered across the area, including a separate hill dedicated to dance acts and DJs. Since its humble beginnings in 1995 with just 27 local acts, Oppikoppi has grown into a cornerstone of South Africa's live music scene, especially in the late '90s.

In 2008, the festival gained international recognition, being ranked the 4th best music festival in the world by the Daily Mirror. By 2012, Oppikoppi attracted around 20,000 attendees and showcased 130 acts spanning a wide array of genres such as rock, hip hop, punk, jazz, and metal. Over the years, the festival also branched out with additional events like "One Night in Cape Town" and smaller gatherings during Easter weekends and New Year's.

Oppikoppi's main event traditionally took place in August, with the Easter edition (now discontinued) and various themed events adding to its appeal. However, after facing criticism for the 2018 edition, organizers decided to take a break in 2019. The dates for the 2020 festival were still pending, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return.