A couple of years ago, I was offered the chance to work the bar at Up The Creek, a well-established music festival.

At the time, I was new to venturing into different kinds of festivities. However, this one specific event had me captivated from the second I landed on the sunny hill of Swellendam paired with its wonderful Creek, where tons of attendees joyfully enjoyed live performances while lounging on their lilos under the baking sun.

The people were always wonderful to mingle with, the atmosphere was always glorious, the music never disappointed, and my friends and I gained so many memories from the festival.

This is a festival that was established way back in 1990, constantly following its theme of hosting some of the biggest names in the industry. This year's event will host the likes of Grassy Spark, Francois van Coke, Matthew Mole, Desmond and the Tutus, and plenty more.

With VERVE now being a home for showcasing what the city has to offer, I thought Up The Creek would be the perfect start for me to document the world of music festivals in South Africa.

And what better way to do it, than having the lovely team from KAYA Cafe allow us to tell their story on finally having their own stage, introducing thousands to the many young talents from Cape Town who are ready to take on the stage at such a prominent event.

We had the opportunity to chat with the team and some of the performers, allowing us to tell their stories of who they are, what to expect from their performances, and what they're looking forward to the most.

Brad and Gina - The masterminds behind the KAYA Stage

“I've been involved with Up the Creek (UTC) since 2019, managing the Food Court Stage. It's been amazing meeting so many talented artists, many of whom have played at the KAYA Cafe and gone on to bigger things. I always discover new favourite SA musicians at UTC – the talent is incredible! The Food Court Stage is a great chance for new acts to get noticed, and UTC often books these artists for their River and Main stages.”

“In 2024, after COVID, we got to curate the Food Court Stage lineup for the first time. We chose artists who impressed us at the KAYA Cafe – those making innovative music, working hard, and bringing great energy.”

“This year, 2025, we're thrilled to be back with an even bigger lineup, showcasing even more of the diverse talent we see at the KAYA Cafe. It's a band-heavy year, with a focus on rock (UTC's specialty), but also featuring jazz, soul, African traditional music, and more.”

“We're passionate about giving emerging Cape Town artists a platform at one of SA's longest-running festivals. It's a privilege to support and grow the local music industry. We're honoured to have created such a diverse lineup and grateful to the artists, managers, and the UTC team for their trust.”

Meet the performers

“Up The Creek feels like a timestamp for me — my first official solo festival performance. I’m grateful for the opportunity; to be part of this festival. Contribute sonically, and add to the live experience.”

“I started performing live eight years ago, and I attended my first festival eight years ago. Coincidence or fate? Either way, I’m just excited. More than anything, I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with my friends, my peers, and the Creekers (I don't know if that's what we call them).”

“It’s a chance to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what truly matters—the music.”

"No frills, no bullshit. SIDEPIECE bring thunderous drums, infectious grooves and wall of sound choruses that bring together the last 60 years of guitar music into something undoubtedly new to the ears.”

“Expect more than meets the eye when these 3 mates step on stage and be prepared to leave asking questions like; 'Who was that?', 'Where did they come from','Why am I so hot and bothered' and 'How do I hear that again?”

“SIDEPIECE only asks one question in return; however, 'Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

“Hi, my name is Magé, (pronounced Maggie - yes like the 2 min noodles). I’m a singing-songwriting boeremeisie and professional gallivanter from the Eastern Cape who loves writing authentic Afrikaans music about things that intrigue and confuse me.”

My music is often described as acoustic, folk, poetic and introspective. With a Eastern Cape/Bloemfontein/Cape Town twist of course!”

“I am excited to see some brilliant live music. And the fact that I can have a beer and a float with them afterwards, yohhh. Can’t wait to shake hands and express respect with the other musicians. Watch and learn, Magé. Watch and love.”

“Che, speaking! I am the frontman of the band Hollow Palace. We’re most excited to share a new sound with music enthusiasts such as yourselves and festival goers alike!”

“Formed in 2023, we are a 5-piece band which fuses elements of electronic, synth, and alternative rock, all while maintaining an emphasis on songwriting. Drawing from alternative rock, Hollow Palace creates an energetic and moody sound, with harrowing dreamlike lyrics capturing the everyday experiences of a young adult.”

“The lineup includes Che on vocals, Zander on guitar, Kamve on guitar and synth, Zjak on electronic percussion and synth, and Steffen on bass.”

“Our band's name is Dumpster Fire Diaries. We have Rei on vocals and acoustic guitar, Craig on electric guitar and bass, and Isabel on drums.”

“We are a bilingual alternative garage band. Rei and Craig have been searching for a drummer for years, literal years (since 2019). They even wrote a song called “Give Me Your Number (i need a drummer)” and they never received any numbers... So they became a two-person band.”

“As they were getting the ball rolling, 2020 happened, and we (and the rest of the world) had to stay inside for a while. Years have gone by, and life has continued.”

“But the love for music and the jammy-jams runs deep within us and we finally found a drummer!”

“Prepare yourselves for a party, people.”

“Hey hey, I'm Cece Vee. I am an alt-pop artist from Cape Town, and I make music that blends modern alternative pop and 80s synthpop.”

“My motto is I make music that you can dance and cry to at the same time, so expect songs about heartbreak, among other topics, set to (mostly) upbeat synthpop beats.”

“I will be performing a set of my original songs at the festival, ranging from earlier to newer releases. These songs are really fun in a live atmosphere and I look forward to interacting with the crowd and getting them singing along.”

“It's been a while since my last live performance, so I am really excited to get back on stage and play some of my newer songs that haven't been heard on a live stage yet to the incredible audience at Up The Creek.”

“My name is Jabulile Majola. I am a singer/songwriter originally from Kwa-Zulu Natal but based in Cape Town.”

“This will be my first time playing a set at Up The Creek so I am very excited about it.”

“I am a storyteller, I seek to build strong connections through folklore and song.”

“I’m Kai Scott, a 19 year old singer-songwriter who has recently started performing.”

“My songwriting -drawing from figures like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Syd Barrett as well as composers like Hailu Mergia and John Fahey- takes on an old style but brings it into the modern day with references to current events.”

“I'll be playing some new music in a solo acoustic set on the KAYA stage at Up The Creek and I'm  most looking forward to meeting and engaging with various people involved with South Africa’s music scene, as well as hearing all the music that will be performed!”

“My act at this years Up The Creek is of course all my own original songs, however because I am playing alongside the Hii-ROLLERS, we just have to put a dance, funk twist on it.”

“You can expect to start your day off on good vibes! A prequel for the rest of the day.”

“I believe Up The Creek is one of the best live music festivals we have here, and I am so excited to perform myself as well as celebrate our local gems here!”

“we’re alright are a versatile indie pop-rock band, branching out into various other genres like jazz/funk, folk, rock, and singer-songwriter.”

“All the members have different influences which culminates into the unique we’re alright sound. A set can consist of an array of tracks, ranging from a bop that will make you want to get up and dance, to a ballad making one feel heard.”

“Although our sound is influenced by various genres, it best fits into the genre of Indie Pop/Rock. You can expect a fun high energy performance filled with groovy basslines and heartfelt lyrics. 

“As a band, this is a huge moment for us, playing at Up The Creek is something we’ve dreamt of and to be able to play at such a prestigious festival so early on into our band’s career makes us pinch one another in disbelief.”

“We’re stoked to connect with other local artists, see and learn from some unbelievable performers, and to just hang out as band mates and friends listening to some music on a river. What could be better?”

We are The Cinematic Rejects, a South African rock band formed in 2019. The band was founded by a bunch of film geeks who wanted to combine both passions for music and cinema by creating music that is narrative driven. Their music takes the audience on a musical journey, akin to the experience of watching a feature-length film, with dynamic shifts and a wide range of emotions.

You can expect a high-energy, emotionally charged performance from The Cinematic Rejects—a band that blends the storytelling of cinema with the raw energy of rock. Our set will take you on a journey, from anthemic party-starters to grunge and jazz-pop-infused tracks, with dynamic shifts that keep you on your toes. With influences ranging from Arctic Monkeys to Panic! at the Disco, our sound is as versatile as it is unique. We’re beyond excited to bring our music to Up The Creek, to connect with incredible local artists, and to make our mark on the Kaya Stage. This is a huge moment for us, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

I cannot wait to witness the multiple talents grace the stage with their exciting performances. 

And I thank the team at KAYA Cafe. It's organisations like these which are dearly needed within our landscape, showcasing the many gifted musicians that reside in our beautiful country.