South African music veteran Kerry-Anne Allerston presents The Hangout Legends Fest, happening Saturday, 25 October at Sognage, Johannesburg. For the first time in decades, some of the most influential names in South African music share one stage – a line-up that spans the raw power of the ’90s through to today’s enduring legends.
The Hangout Legends Fest unites award-winners and international touring acts whose songs defined a generation: Paul E Flynn (Sugardrive), No Friends of Harry, Squeal, Boo!, Henry Ate, Plum, Wonderboom, and Tidal Waves.
Henry Ate
Henry Ate sees frontwoman Karma Ann Swanepoel returning from the US to re-unite with Julian Sun for a rare, possibly final performance at The Hangout Legends Fest.
Their debut album Slap in the Face produced the No.1 hit “Just” and “One Day Soon”, which won a SAMA for Pop Album of the Year. Along the way, they shared stages with international acts like Skunk Anansie and Garbage, cementing their status as one of South Africa’s most loved alternative exports.
Boo!
Boo!, the groundbreaking “monkipunk” trio fronted by Chris Chameleon, became one of South Africa’s biggest exports, performing over 800 gigs across 17 countries, releasing seven albums, and winning a SAMA for Best Pop Album in 2002.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Chris Chameleon says: “I can see where this is going… I’ve seen it so many times before: all these highly experienced bands coming together, each one resolved to kick a**. And then we see each other and it’s ‘bro this, bro that, remember the time when we…?’”
“Before long we’re hugging backstage because we’re beyond ego, beyond competition, and we’ve become masters of our craft. Then we go on stage, every band plays an absolute banger, and the people go home thinking ‘wow… just wow’. That’s exactly how it’s gonna go down.”
Wonderboom
Wonderboom, with nine albums, multiple SAMA nods, and international titles including gold at China’s Silk Road Indie Music Festival, remain one of South Africa’s most consistent rock bands.
Frontman Cito says: “This line-up feels like an authentic snapshot of our ’90s live scene. I cannot wait to see all of our beautiful fans come out to celebrate our legends that day!”
Tidal Waves
Tidal Waves, South Africa’s reggae kings, have taken their sound from Swaziland to global stages including SXSW and the Austin Reggae Festival, where they shared the bill with Ziggy Marley.
Sugardrive
Sugardrive, led by Paul E Flynn, set the benchmark for alternative authenticity, winning three SAMAs and carrying their sound across borders to Australia’s legendary Big Day Out.
Plum
Plum, known for their explosive live shows, return after a 17-year hiatus. Their comeback sees them blending trip-hop, nu-metal, acid rock, and funk with fresh new material, reintroducing a sound that defined their cult following.
No Friends of Harry
No Friends of Harry (NFOH), South Africa’s first influential goth/alt band, formed in 1986 and quickly became cult icons with “The Present Has Passed,” boosted by Barney Simon’s Shadow Show.
Their story is interwoven with the apartheid era: in 1989, during a performance at Cape Town’s Good Hope Centre, a tear gas canister was dropped mid-set on a crowd of 10,000.
To authorities, black-clad youth were seen as rebellious, and genres like goth, punk, and alternative were often judged as dangerous.
Rob McLennan recalls that simply gathering for this music was treated as defiance – proof of how alternative culture carried its own resistance.
Squeal
Squeal, Durban’s breakout ’90s rockers defined by angular riffs and intelligent songwriting, made their mark with the hit “Candy” and became a mainstay both live and on air.
More info about Kerry-Anne Allerston
Building on Allerston’s 25-year legacy as a champion of South African music, this event is a living archive of the country’s rock, reggae, and alternative heritage.
“This event pays tribute to the artists who not only defined an era but helped shape the South African music industry as we know it today.” says Allerston.
Kerry-Anne Allerston is a multifaceted veteran and major force in the South African music scene whose 25-year career has been dedicated to uplifting the entire music community. Her vision is epitomised by The Hangout Legends Fest, an event dedicated to showcasing iconic local talent.
Her influential platform was built through diverse roles: as a music journalist for publications like the Saturday Star and Joburg Style; a TV host who gave South African musicians international exposure; the voice of the weekly radio show The Hangout on Mix FM for the past decade; and as an experienced MC and DJ for major brands and festivals. She is also part of the DJ collective ALTERnation.
Central to this journey has been a deep passion for gaining emerging artists a platform and a chance to be heard. This “music first, always” ethos drives her profound commitment to support beyond the spotlight.
She has organised crucial fundraisers including The Spring Jamboree for artists, the Band Merch Pop-Up Store, and Art for Sound for sound engineers. Furthermore, she actively works with and raises funds for national charities CHOC, Reach for a Dream, and Husky Rescue.
The Hangout Legends Fest Event Details:
- Address: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Road, Strijdom Park, Johannesburg
- Date: Saturday, 25 October
- Time: 2:00pm – 11:55pm SAST
- Tickets: The Hangout Legends Fest are available at Tixsa
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