Brilliant Insights

 Since 2016, I’ve made it a tradition to share my top songs of the year on my Instagram stories. But as anyone who uses the app knows, those stories vanish after 24 hours. I’ve decided to take those annual lists out of the archives and give them a permanent home here on Brilliant Insights . 2016 was the first full year of being a father, and while life was focused on new milestones at home, music remained my constant companion. Looking back at this list of 30 songs, I can hear the exact moments they soundtracked. It was a year of legendary South African releases and some heavy-hitting international rock returns. The "Brilliant 5" Highlights These five tracks were the essential pillars of my 2016 playlist: "As die Hippies begin Dans" – Wouter van de Venter There is something about this track that captures a specific South African mood. It’s nostalgic and catchy—the perfect start to the 2016 list.  "Friends and Enemies" – Biffy Clyro 2016 saw Biffy Clyro r...

It has been 14 years since my last entry. When I last sat down to write here in March 2011, I had just turned 30, was recovering from the dust of RAMfest V, and mentioned that the party "really started" once my girlfriend arrived at the festival. Looking back at that post now is a bit surreal. Since then, the "intermission" in my writing was filled with the kind of life-changing events that deserve more than just a bullet point. That girlfriend I mentioned? We got married in November 2012 . And in 2015 , our lives changed forever when our son was born. Watching the world change from 2011 to 2025 has been a wild ride. The internet has shifted from personal blogs like this one to giant, noisy social media feeds. I’ve realized that while life got busier, I missed having a place to park my thoughts—somewhere away from the "scroll." So, what’s the plan for Brilliant Insights 2.0? I’m picking up where I left off, but with the perspective of someone who has a lo...

It has been 21 days since my last blog entry. During those 21 days, there were three big events that occurred in my life. The first one of those events, was of course , RAMfest V. I took the Friday of from work, and left for Nekkies in Worcester the Thursday evening just after 18:00. When I arrived there, I was blown away with the amount of people already on the site! Way more than 2010, when I arrived the Friday morning just after 8:00am. Found friends of mine, and proceeded to set up camp. After a few drinks, I decided to go and have a look at the stages and entertainment area. Wow - it was amazing! I also heard music coming from around the main beer tent area - and found the gem of the weekend - the Mercury tent! Old school rock 'n roll and 80's music played, people partied, and a strange naked guy was walking around. Found a few people I know, and we partied the night away! The Mercury tent continued to provide the crowd with entertainment throughou...

A quick tribute to Kurt Cobain... what a legend! He whould have been 44 today....

Less than two weeks to go until RAMfest 2011! This will be the 4th time that I attend RAMfest, and is by far my favourite weekend of the year. The venue for this insane festival is Nekkies, just outside Worcester. My 1st RAMfest was RAMfest 2, in 2008. The highlight of that weekend, for me, was the first time that I saw Lark live! What an amazing band! Other highlights, for me, included Hog Hoggidy Hog, Fuzigish, Battery 9, Taxi Violence, Knave and Kidofdoom. Here a a few foto's of that weekend - Thanx to Leon van Heerden In 2009 I returned - no way I am missing RAMfest after my experience of the previous year. 2009 was bigger and better than 2008, no doubt. My favourite part of 2009 was once again Lark - they are truly amazing! Other highlights included the first major performance by Die Antwoord, the reunion show of V.O.D,  and brilliant performances by Isochronous, Kidofdoom and Fokofpolisiekar. Here a few pics (taken by myself) 2010 - and once ...

The weekend of 11-13 February 2011, was camping weekend. Two of our friends, Wihann and Steve both had their birthdays on the 11th, so they decided to go camping at Ganzekraal, just up the West Coast from Melkbosstrand, even before you get to Yzerfontein. Anel and myself arrived there just after seven Friday evening, started unpacking, pitching the tent, and so forth, while enjoying something refreshing. (Read : Castle and Hunters). Friday night was a great night, with friends, hubbly castle and brandy. We had a really good time. We even had another unexpected guest, by the name of Felix! We know him well, but don't see him often. The next morning, we were all up not to late, dressed and showered by around 10 am. Most of the people went to the rocks on the far end (for those of you who do not  know, Ganzekraal is a camping site right next to the ocean) to go "fishing". I did not join them, but from what I heard, they caught  a lot of seaweed a blac...

Great new video by Willim Welsyn. I see new awards nominations coming up!