2. Natalie Mohr - New face of Niva

4. Melissa Colborne - Set to own SA

4.Wacky Wine 2012

6. Jordy Smith - SA’s legend

8. Lonehill Estate

10. June surf spot - Pringle Bay

14. Woodstock Mafia

16. Die Mys c Boer Toer 2012

18. David Van Vuuren - Cape Town tour

20 - Gig guide

By Nic Owen

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Natalie Mohr, a local hottie from Somerset West recently won a modelling competition hosted by Niva against 8 other up and coming faces to be crowned the 2012 Face of Niva. Natalie will become the official poster girl for Niva, and her face will lead the new brand of surf clothing called N Clothing when it is launched later this year. I was pretty stoked to see that she won the competition, she showed her true self to the judges and spectators, and seemed to have a really good time. Her confidence and posture definitely separated her from the other competitors on the night! We sat down and chatted to Natalie about nearly everything so you could get just a taste of how amazing she really is.

Let’s start with your tattoo’s…

Well, I’m a girl that loves tattoos! I currently have 5 which all have a deeper meaning to me. I have the word Success written in Arabic on my rib cage, I got this tattoo after I moved out of the house and started working - Success just stuck in my head, so I got it inked! I have wings on the inside of my right arm, it looks really awesome and pretty much means to be free from all. Back to my rib cage now, I have a guitar and musical notes flowing upwards that end up at the top of my shoulder - I love music and playing the guitar, I started playing when I was just 12! Next, I have the word Family surrounded by the names of Ryan, Gail & Robin tattooed around my wrist. These are the names of my Mother, Brother & Father. Lastly, I have a Mauri swallow on the bottom of my left side - I just really digged the pic so got it inked again!

Tell us a little about your competitive side…

My dad has always been very sporty, so from a young age, I did athletics, swimming and played hockey. I excelled in athletics obtaining provincial colours for 200m and 400m. My dad was my coach for many years, and when he left to go work over seas in 2009, my love for the track kinda left with him. Since then I started Powerlifting, so much of my time is spent in the gym training. Mondays I squat, Tuesdays I bench press, Wednesday is cardio day, Thursday is deadlifts and Friday is usually resistance bench and squat. I have full South African Colours for Powerlifting and competed at the World Championships in 2011, finishing 7th over all in my weight category. That comp was held in Canada and It was my first year doing the sport, so I’m taking the experience I have gained and I am hoping to do even better this year. I discovered Powerlifting by chance at West Workout, where I gym.

Other than that, I’m currently ranked number 1 in the Western Province for women’s Powerlifting in the u/72 weight category Junior and Senior divisions. Our South African Championships are going to be in Pretoria later this month, so I do hope to make the South African team again to represent my country in Poland.

What sort of music are you into, and are you into SA music?

My views and opinions of SA music is definitely ‘up and coming’, I would be lying if I were to say that I am clued up on the whole scene, but I do listen to SA music! I really don't have a favourite band or artist - I can say though, that I am big into punk rock, metal and alternative, with me being the kinda girl that likes to stomp, so drum and bass/reggae also floats my boat.

What did you dream to become as a kid?

I love animals, more than life itself! My dream as a young girl was to be a Vet, but my maths and science subjects at school were not my strongest! :)

What are your thoughts for the journey still to be travelled with Niva?

I’m super stoked to become the poster girl for Niva! It’s such an amazing opportunity and the brand being as wicked as it is, makes it even better! Being the cover girl and even the face of a brand is such a great achievement for me! I’m super excited to become the brand ambassador! Sorry, have I said that I’M SUPER STOKED?! :)

At the young age of just 16, Melissa Colborne has been turning heads in the wakeboarding world, having been recently crowned as the SA women’s open champion at the SA Cable Wakeboarding Nationals held at Warmbaths in Limpopo. Melissa, a high school student from Somerset West, is fairly new to the sport, having been wakeboarding for just 3 years now. Her achievements thus far don't stop at the title mentioned above, but also keeps her listed as the number 1 female wakeboarder in SA, as well as another title as the SA female open champion at the SA Boat Wakeboarding Nationals which was held at Rietvlei earlier this year. Keep it up girl, see you on ESPN! By Nic Owen

Die Burger Wacky Wine Weekend presented by Robertson Wine Valley Tourism, gives local and international wine lovers the opportunity to taste award winning wines from different top wine cellars. There are outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy from various local musicians including Die Heuwel Fantasties, amongst others, that will entertain the crowd at the Robertson Wine mountain bike challenge and Miles of Smiles marathon.

The 2012 edition will be taking place from the 7th to the 10th of June. Bookings can be made by contacting the Robertson Wine Valley office during office hours. Wine Passports cost R90 per person which will be valid for the duration of the event and includes a wine glass which you will be using during wine tastings at participating wine cellars.

For more information, visit the Wacky Wine Weekend's website www.wackywineweekend.com or contact Elizma Spangenberg/Marylize Mouton at (023) 626 3167 or drop them a email at manager@robertsonwinevalley.com during office hours.

By Mark Dennis Daly

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Not since Shaun Tomson (or Martin Pottz, depending on who you ask), has South Africa had such a shining and tenacious World Title hopeful to entrust its dreams to. On February 2, 1988 a curly-haired boy named Jordan Smith entered the world with a hunger that'd never abate and a thirst that'd make him great. On a diet of home-cooked meals from mom Luellen and sneaky McDonalds snacks from pops Graham, a dominating and athletic 6'2" frame came into shape. Luckily, the longer limbs didn't result in awkwardness, but added power to the kid's physique. Since Pops Graham had the Lost Surfboards license in SA, lil' Jords watched Cali jibbers like Joe Crimo slide through his hometown and wondered as they threw down shrink-wraps and the like: Why can't I do that? The young mind is an industrious thing and what monkey saw, monkey did. You might say that the strong tradition of power surfing in SA mixed with the skate-style surfing of Cali meshed to create a beautiful monster. Coming from South Africa and growing up away from the dangers of child-stardom that kids like O'Neill stablemate Johnny Florence are exposed to, Jordy felt little heat from the surfing world until age 20. Until he made the ASP World Tour. Until he stomped a rodeo at Macaronis, which found its way onto the cover of Yahoo. Then, things changed. A phase of partying, board-punching and outspokenness followed but was an important chapter for the kid. Call it a reaction to the weight of expectation if you will. Either way, once it was done, he was a man. Ready. New Pier in Durban ain't exactly user-friendly. So, does it surprise you to know that a man who so unapologetically man-handles waves hails from this shifty training ground? Jordy hucks, hacks and blazes with such fury, that it's little wonder his Modern Collective pals dubbed him 'Man Bear Pig' (lovingly, of course, though the nickname may also refer to Jords' ferocious appetite). You've heard of Mod Coll, right? Kai Neville's game-changing 2009 film, in which Jordy had a starring lead? It was in this film that Jordy helped show the world that the new guard had arrived. And, he was at the helm. Two years on, two WT victories at back-to-back Billabong Pro J-Bay events, and another starring role In Kai Nev's second film, Lost Atlas, and we have a man who's fitter than he's ever been, ablaze with the heat of romance (his gal Lyndall makes him a better man –just ask him) and poised to wrap his giant hands around the throat of the World Title cup. It ain't how or if, but when. By Elliot Struck

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Lonehill Estate returned to SA at the beginning of May after a number of successful shows in the United States and performing at the prestigious Musexpo in Hollywood. The event brought together some of the world's top executive minds, emerging talents and influential figures from the press, media and technology realms. Lonehill Estate took to the stage with their neon coloured rock sound and stunned the crowd with eye-twitchingly good music. The band also performed at The Viper Room, home to Hollywood’s elite. It was here that they created a roar with the newest green member, better known as The Fraq. Lonehill Estate’s marketing strategies have never been quite modest, but it is their mischievous seal that is taking these guys straight to the top. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. Just a week after their return, Lonehill Estate’s brand new album was finally done being mixed, mastered and was ready for stores! The 14 track album is without a doubt the band’s best release yet and proves that not only Lonehill Estate, but Nathan Ro as well, has come a long way. The self-titled album includes radio hits such as Gangstar, Technoband, Green Pocket, Daans, Look Good and more.

LONEHILL ESTATE 8

So we have all heard the few super chart toppers from these

boys right? Now, if you are just dying to get your hands on their

debut album, that is going to be sure to make you eat a cream

pie, then head off right now to Niva Magazine on Facebook,

leave us a post that has some balls, and you could be the one

getting 1 of these amazing albums delivered to your door!

As a result of the success received in LA, Lonehill Estate have achieved international air-play in the US, Germany and Japan. Recently the band was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Nestlé King Cone is delighted to have come on board and together they will embark on this exciting journey begin-ning July and once again share Lonehill’s quirky sound with the rest of the world. The band will be performing alongside some of the world’s most esteemed artists including Alanis Moris-sette, Radiohead, Noel Gallagher’s new band, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Jessie J, Tony Ben-nett, Lana Del Rey, Fourplay, Sergio Mendes and more. “We are super excited that people who aren’t even South African like our music. We hope to make South Africa proud by inviting the rest of the world to join our little techno band. That is… if they don’t mind of course” says frontman Na-than Ro.

Pringle Bay Reef is this month’s best surf spot In this edition of Niva Magazine we have chosen Pringle bay as this months best surf spot. For those of you that are unaware of this break you might want to go and check it out. Pringle bay is based past Somerset West; to get there all you have to do is carry on with the N2 through Somerset heading towards Sir Lowry’s Pass then turn right into Sir Lowry's Pass road. Turn left onto Faure Marine Drive (R44). Continue along the coast road passing through Rooiels. On the right hand side will be the entrance to Pringle Bay (you can't miss the sign). Pringle bay is the best way to escape from everything as it is situated in isolation from the more busy townships of Strand, Gordons Bay and Hermanus. Although it is relatively close to these towns it is known as a holiday town so make sure that you are well kitted up before spending the weekend there. It might seem quiet in this small town but it does have many attractions such as, penguins, sandboarding, rivers and even wine tasting. You can check out there website at www.pringlebay.co.za if you would like to see what’s cooking in this cozy town.

By Mark Dennis Daly

Woodstock Mafia describe themselves as “hard and thumping in-your-face hybrid grunge rock”. Their

first official music video, “Electric Light”, was released about two weeks ago and has already enjoyed more than 6000 views on Youtube. Niva Magazine caught up with this Cape Town band to find out what their plans are for the future.

By Ice Carstens

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Where did the band’s name originate? We rehearse in Woodstock. Ryan booked a pre-launch gig at Mercury on a Monday night in March 2011, and we needed a name. A week or two before at rehearsal we were standing outside thinking of names, surrounded by groups of people, we liked the collective noun “mafia”, and Owen chirped “Woodstock Mafia”. Done. How did the band get together? Nick and Ryan have known each other for years and always avoided playing together for personal reasons. A few years back they put together a project called The Wanted (with Mauri from Sabretooth and Craig from Them Birds), and that just didn't gel. Ryan went off and jammed in a pop-rock group, found Joe and recruited him, and Owen was found under the personals section on gumtree. What was the inspiration behind your first official music video, “Electric Light”? Initially the idea was to do a steam-punk themed video and Ryan wrote a synopsis for it. After giving it to our director, Ric Shields, we took on more of the lyrical messaging of censorship and control and introduced a more ‘Orwellian’ feel to it. To be honest, we just wanted something that looked cool and had every faith in the world the Ric would create. If you were describing the kind of music you make to people who’ve never heard of you, what would you tell them about your sound? The genre debate, one that is never satisfied. We've been described as pop/rock, grunge, hard rock. It's rock music, with some riffs and other bits. Just check it out on soundcloud or come to a gig, just be aware we're always throwing down new tracks, so for the most part we're still developing that definitive sound. We read that you have a debut self-titled EP, can we expect an album out soon? Albums cost money. For now we're more focused on producing great shows and developing more as a band. An album will come, but it’s not even near the budget yet. Are you influenced by any other local artist? Who and in what way? We always give mad props to many local artists, in many ways for their professionalism and ability to create a space in the market. Francois van Coke and the guys behind Vanfokkingtasties deserve some serious credit for create an entire genre and really building a market in South Africa and beyond. Hats off to guys like Jack Parow and Die Antwoord too for making international waves, and so many artists on the electronic side of music deserve much applause. Hard-working musicians deserve credit; bands like Taxi Violence are testimony to that. What has been your biggest challenge as a band thus far? There is a new challenge every week. Once we achieve one thing, we're onto the next one.

Where can people find you online? Several spots: www.woodstockmafia.com www.facebook.com/woodstockmafia www.twitter.com/woodstock_mafia www.soundcloud.com/woodstockmafia What would you like to achieve in the music industry? It's the greatest hobby in the world, maybe one day it will become a living, but for now it keeps us sane. Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with on a song? I think collabs need to be genre-breaking, maybe a band like BlkJks or 340ml or individuals like Spoek Mathambo or Jack Parow. What has surprised you the most about your audiences and the people who listen to your tunes? We've got a pretty cool audience, quite diverse in many ways. Our acoustic set allows us to play venues and for crowds that probably wouldn't relate to our harder live set. In the same token, we're making sure that we release singles like “Electric Light” that can appeal to as broad an audience as possible without sounding like some cheesy adult contemporary group. Describe the band in three words. Free Beer Please. Last but not least, what is next for Woodstock Mafia? Um, that's a biggie. I guess we're not too sure ourselves at this stage as so many things are really up in the air. Maybe we should have a catch up in 18 months to see where we are… Catch Woodstock Mafia with Reburn, Dogtown and Llevado at 8pm on Saturday the 9th of June at Buckley’s in Durbanville. Entrance fee is only R20.

It’s time for Niva Magazine to introduce an electro feel to its pages and in this months edition we have decided to take a look at what was happening in the month of May at Die Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch. To our surprise we actually were in for a serious treat! Of all the events that were happening in Stellenbosch we had to stumble across Die Mystic Toer and man…was it an epic show. For those of the readers that do not know exactly what Die Mystic Boer and its event Die Mytic Toer are, here is a quick overview. Die Mystic Boer is a small restaurant, 3 Victoria Street Stellenbosch, which offers a variety of tasty dishes including oven baked pizzas. This double story restaurant which becomes the number one dubstep and drum&bass scene at night is easily one of the most appreciated and loved clubs in Stellenbosch. Die Mystic Toer introduces the Dj’s from the three different Mystic Boer’s which are based in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and Stellenbosch. Firstly, starting off in Stellenbosch on the 18th May then going to Potchefstroom on the 25th May and lastly on the 26th May Bloemfontein. To put it likely it was Die Mystic Boer Tour around South Africa! On the week of the 18th May Stellenbosch was starting to slow down for exam preparation. But Mystics you could feel was going to make the night an unforgettable one. The action started early and the Dj’s on line up were going to be a show never to forget. Mystics went from dead to totally packed in a matter of a minutes and the response from the crowd was insane. Dusty Dukes, George Daniel, deejtea and The Suspect were the complete line up for the night. Experiencing Mystics roof blow off myself, I felt like the best sets definitely came from George Daniel and The Suspect (Emile). George having played here in Stellenbosch on many occasions really knew how to get the crowd pumping; he created mixes that made people jump so hard it cracked the floor beneath them. Emile (The Suspect) the local Mystic Dj knew exactly what he was doing and definitely brought out a new set to make the night unforgettable. If you enjoy the night life scene or just amazing pizza go and take a look at ‘Die Mystic Boer’ on Facebook. Be sure to make an effort to see the up and coming events and specials which run every week.

By M

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Denn

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Die M

ystic Toer

CY.STR gone forever?

CY.STR, one of Cape Town’s only all-female bands, a band that I, myself, am a founding member of has decided to take their “Final Bow” on 11 May at The Jolly Roger. The band, under the name Ellipsis, found its beginning as four buddies’ jamming a piano based song by the name “Scars” (pretty emo, I know) in their high school’s music room. Occasionally playing the random school organised event and any Battle of the Bands that would allow an underage band to enter, it was all about the love for music with no intention of tackling the Cape Town alternative scene. It was only when the band matriculated and found themselves at the same university that they decided that they’d give it a shot outside high school.

CY.STR entered the scene at none other than the first Niva Battle of the Bands hosted at The Purple Turtle. While it was not the first time the band had played a crowd of this size it was the first time they had played in the environment of a night club with an appropriate audience. CY.STR found themselves in the semi-finals and that was enough for the band to make a good impression and gigging became a regular thing at The Purple Turtle and Gandalf’s. June 2011 bassist Faren “wys jy bass” September left and Jacky Roodt joined, keeping the all-girl spirit alive. In September drummer Tiffany Serenge left and Dominique Moller joined. The band has opened for Macheneri, graced the stage of Mercury and Zula, played Rock the River 2011/12 and performed on live television. However, even the best of things have to come to an end.

After major changes in the band line up that left vocalist Nadia Darries as the only original CY.STR member, along with existing member Dominique Moller (drummer) and new members Stephen Alfred (guitarist) and JP Monroe (bassist), the band has decided it is time for a fresh start and with that fresh start, a new name. So to commemorate the name the band teamed up with buddies Firethorn and Anton

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Syndrome. Good music, live piercings and lots of give-aways, The Jolly Roger was filled with die-hard fans.

Firethorn put on a good show, their hard rock sound emphasized by the solid foundation of the drums and bass. Anton Syndrome followed, while their sound has change quite a bit with the addition of a new singer, the managed to pull the crowd with a cover of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People.

Finally it was time for CY.STR to take the stage, only the band had other plans, instead the original members took the stage together for the first time since June 2011, and the last time ever, to play one of the band’s old favourites Mr Potato Head with his Angry Eyes (yes, that is really the name of the song). Adrenalin pumping, we stepped on stage unsure of whether or not we’d be able to pull it off, nonetheless we made it through and it was probably the most satisfying performance ever. And then it was time to hand over to the band everyone had been waiting so patiently to see. There was an overwhelming response from the crowd as the band made their way through the old favourites, the changes in no way stopping them from singing along. It was a good way for the name to die, and I wish the band good luck in their new adventures! Guess we’ll have to wait and see what this nameless band will decide to call themselves…By Abdeah Davis

The Sleepers, Black Moscow & Wild Eastern Arches Review Mercury Live It is freezing outside, luckily Mercury is rather cosy and the excitement and anticipation of the gig is enough to keep us nice and toasty. First up is psychedelic band Wild Eastern Arches, the whispers sparking a huge interest in me. My first impression as they began their set was that it was pretty trippy and in that sense appealing, however, as the set continued I became bored. Nothing was really happening with the music; each song seemed an extension of the one before and because of this there set seemed to drag. The concept of the music is good now all the band needs to do is grab that concept and give it substance. Nonetheless, this band has immense potential to become something great, hence all the attention they are receiving. Black Moscow followed, opening up with the window shattering distorted bass intro of Starling, a pretty good way to start the set. Black Moscow impressed, the music was good, the vocals improved, the sound was perfect and even though the lumo-paint didn’t quite have the effect they were going for it added character. Black Moscow seems to have finally found a nice balance of progressive elements, bearing in mind that people need to be able to move along to the music, thus, using less strange time signatures that mind-fuck the non-musicians (and even some of the musicians) in the crowd. This was definitely one of their best performances. The Sleepers showcased mainly their new material and while the fans tried to get into the new swing of things it was evident that they really wanted to hear songs like Pandora and all that is The Signal Path. The performance itself was good but the set lacked the “oomph” of the old-faithfuls. The Sleepers need to find a new Restriction-type song, one that has that hook that completely captivates the audience and stays with you long after the show. The band still seems to be finding their feet with the direction of the new material, hopefully they won’t forget their existing fans…By Abdeah Davis

DAVID VAN VUUREN TO TOUR CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS Idols winner, David van Vuuren, will be heading to Cape Town in June on his first solo acoustic tour. He will be performing songs off his debut album ‘Free The Animals’, some favourites from Idols as well as brand new unreleased songs written by David himself.

The demand for David to perform in Cape Town has been extraordinary and sold out shows are expected. The 4-date tour will see David playing in the popular Kloof Street area in central Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Worcester. David van Vuuren ‘s latest single ‘You Will Leave A Mark’ has been generating some great popularity having charted on the 5FM Top 40 and the video is also on high rotation on MK and MNET Soundcheck. His other single,‘Utopia (Find Me)’, has also received some great rotation on Highveld and KFM having climbed up the Kia Take 40 Chart in the past weeks.

21 June – Manna Epicure (151 Kloof Street, Cape

Town)

22 June - Winners Sports Bar, Golden Valley Casino

Worcester

23 June - Dorp Street Theatre, Stellenbosch

24 June - Die Boer, Durbanville (6 Chenoweth Street,

Durbanville - Afternoon show)

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Friday 1 June Walk The Plank - The Jolly Roger,

Plumstead Very Ape, Forgive Us Not - Balke,

Worcester Reburn, Taxi Violence - Mercury,

Cape Town Gerald Clarke - Die Boer, Durbanville

The Rudimentals - Zula Bar, Long Street

Saturday 2 June

Woodstock Mafia - Aandklas, Stellen-bosch

Mississippi Disco - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Shannon Hope - Cottage Club, Kom-metjie

Mr Cat & The Jackal - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Isochronus - The Assembly, District Six

Homegrown D&B - Mercury Live, Cape Town

Black South Easter - La Cabane, Hout Bay

Sunday 3 June

Pik Swart - The Nameless Pub, S/West

Boulevard Blues - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Tombstone Pete - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Friday 8 June

Discoteque - The Assemblt, District Six

Music Without Boarders - Mercury, Cape Town

Grassy Spark - The Jolly Roger, Plum-stead

Natasha Meister - G-Spot, Wynberg

Saturday 9 June Reburn - Buckleys, Durbanville

Rub a Dub - Mercury Live, Cape Town Piet Botha - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Mr Cat & The Jackal - Die Boer, Dur-banville

In The Deep End - The Jolly Roger, Plumstead

7th Son - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Sunday 10 June Pik Swart - The Nameless Pub, S/

West Gerald Clarke - Berties, Gordon’s Bay Natasha Meister - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Friday 15 June

Tombstone Pete - Mercury, Cape Town

Discotheque - The Assembly, District Six

Gian Groen Band - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Black Moscow - The Jolly Roger, Plumstead

Kombat Fudge - Zula Bar, Long Street

Saturday 16 June Firefly - Mercury Live, Cape Town Karla Valentine - The Jolly Roger,

Plumstead Half Price - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Sunday 17 June

Natasha Meister - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Pik Swart - The Nameless Pub, S/West

Shadowclub - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay Shout - Studio 7, Sea Point

Friday 22 June

Sarah Theron - Die Boer, Stellenbosch Sixgun Gospel - Daddy Long Legs,

Long Street TATUM - Mercury Live, Cape Town Pebbleman Band - Berties, Gordon’s

Bay The Inside Job - Jolly Roger, Plum-

stead Captain Stu - Zula Bar, Long Street

Saturday 23 June

David Van Vuuren - Dorpstraat Teater Sindulgence - ROAR, Observatory

Nomadic Orchestra - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

When Karma Sleeps - Mercury, Cape Town

Sunday 24 June

The Akelian Circus - The Nameless Pub,

S/West The Little Kings - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay Boulevard Blues - Berties, Gordon’s

Bay

Friday 29 June 3rd World Spectator - Jolly Roger,

Plumstead The Rescu - Mercury Live, Cape Town

Ann Jangle - Berties, Gordon’s Bay

Saturday 30 June Goodnight Wembley - Mercury Live,

Cape Town Taxi Violence - Brass Bell, Kalk Bay Very Ape - Jolly Roger, Plumstead Devastation - Zula Bar, Long Street

Mail your gigs to us on nivamag@nivarecords.com or simply

post it on our Facebook page!

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