Piet Botha

Piet Botha live and unplugged, at the Dorp Straat Teater. February, 2008.

Piet Botha is one of the living legends of local music. With his band Jack Hammer, he has remained true to his own brand of South African rock, with cutting lyrics and powerful melodies, digging deep into the South African psyche.

I've been a fan of his music for some time, but only managed to see him live in a rare, rapid Cape tour in February, where he performed a sell-out set in Stellenbosch with longtime colleague Jonathan Martin. They did a mix of new material, which Piet says is being 'played into shape' for a new album, some covers, and old favourites.

Imposing, at times haunting, always very, very real, it was a mesmerising set from an icon of SA music.