THE ROUTES OF SOUND. Conceived and curated by Brett Bailey. With Tubatsi Moloi, Cheyenne Hill, Mickey ‘Like the Mouse’ Struwick, Chosi with Nkosinathi Matomela, Ntu2ko, and Magé Troskie. The Big Band: Nkosenathi Koela, Jonno Sweetman, Nomapostile and Uviwe Caso. (Weekend of 3 and 4 July. The line-up changes each weekend.) Photographs: Yazeed Kamaldien. Spier Wine Farm.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Brett Bailey’s immaculately conceived and curated The Routes of Sound mini music festival returns in an extended format for its third edition. Now spread across three weekends, the opening night offered a soulful, joyful prelude to the season. Such was the obvious enjoyment of the evening, I wouldn’t be surprised if many people returned for the rest of the festival.
The Routes of Sound takes place at Spier Wine Farm, starting at the Yellowwoods Lounge and winding through different rooms and spaces before ending back at the beginning. Audiences are divided into groups and then escorted to three different “experiences” before uniting for a final “big band” finale. While each night features a bill of between six and ten musicians, you won’t know exactly who’re you’re going to see until you are on your route (except for the final mash up, which is guaranteed – to a certain extent, because you’re never going to be sure who else will join the jam).
It’s a concept similar to Bailey’s long-running Constellations project, also at Spier, except here the focus is solely on music (as opposed to other performance art forms), and the shows are indoors. And it’s the rooms that provide so much of the atmosphere, even before the music starts. Each designed/decorated in a unique way, so as to offset the musicians, they offer an intimate, comfortable, stylish space to get up close and personal with the performers.
Another outstanding feaure is the sound quality – every show I saw was perfectly balanced, allowing for delicate dynamics and sensitive cadences. Whether a solo act or a duo, each set was beautifully engineered, with pin-drop clarity. Such a boost for the musicians.
Pure magic
On our night, our circuit featured Magé Troskie, Mickey ‘Like the Mouse’ Struwick, and Chosi with Nkosinathi Matomela. While stylistically different, ranging from Afrikaans folk to rock to Afro-soul, what united these artists was an unmistakable authenticity and a gift for sharing their stories in a warm, intimate setting. And while performing in such close proximity to the audience could have been daunting, each musician settled effortlessly into the groove, drawing the audience in with them. What was of added interest is that many of the performers are young, and while some have had major exposure, others have not. When I asked Brett Bailey how he found such an amazing line-up, he said he finds musicians on Instagram, and then he follows who they follow, and so on. I suspect there is a bit more to it – like, a lot of work, and listening, and communicating with the artists. The result, however reached, is stunning.
Once back at the main Yellowwood Lounge it was time to settle into couches and loungers and catch the “super band” of the evening, a high-tempo set featuring kora, uhadi, guitar, and drums, with several guests. A fabulous end to an amazing eveing.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that at each stage one is offered a glass of one of Spier’s award-winning Creative Block wines (plus water), accompanied by a delicious canape or treat. Which just adds to a totally unique evening out. And the best thing is, if I go again next weekend, I’ll see an entirely new programme of musicians. If it is not sold out. Hurry, people. This is pure magic.
PS We were also invited to dinner at Veld restaurant, which I can throughly recommend to start the evening.
What: The Routes of Sound 2026
Where and when: Spier Wine Farm from 4 July to 22 August 2026
Line-up: Spier
Tickets: Webtickets
WS
