Year of Dogs: A Farewell to an Indie-Groove-Pop Sensation
Year of Dogs, the indiegroovepop band from Cape Town, is saying goodbye to their fans with a memorable performance at District on Harrington Street. The band's lead vocalist, Nic van Graan, is embarking on a new journey overseas, and this marks the end of an era for the group, which will be taking a hiatus from live performances. Foul Play is hosting their "Good Boy, For Now" event on Saturday, July 15th, featuring a lineup of South Africa's most talented artists joining Year of Dogs for an exce...
Year of Dogs, the indie-groove-pop band from Cape Town, is saying goodbye to their fans with a memorable performance at District on Harrington Street. The band’s lead vocalist, Nic van Graan, is embarking on a new journey overseas, and this marks the end of an era for the group, which will be taking a hiatus from live performances. Foul Play is hosting their “Good Boy, For Now” event on Saturday, July 15th, featuring a lineup of South Africa’s most talented artists joining Year of Dogs for an exceptional night of music and energy.
The Band’s Success
Year of Dogs made their mark in the music scene with their debut EP “Pavement Special” in 2021. Their unique blend of disco, funk, soul, and rock quickly gained recognition from both local and international media. Their hit single “Sweet Red” climbed to the number one spot on the South African Alternative Music charts and remained in the top 20 for over 30 weeks. The band continued their success with their sophomore EP “Place To Be” in 2022, allowing them to perform extensively throughout the country, sharing the stage with well-known acts like Jeremy Loops, Matthew Mole, and Desmond & the Tutus.
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Gratitude and Optimism
Van Graan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make music with his best friends and share it with a supportive audience, saying “It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.” As the band’s live performances come to a halt, van Graan is optimistic about the future and the potential for new music.
“Good Boy, For Now” Event
The lineup for the “Good Boy, For Now” event includes Manu Grace, Bam Bam Brown, and Tanaka. Manu Grace is a versatile artist whose “sensitive pop” style has led her to tour Europe with renowned musicians like Maya Hawk and Honeymoan. Bam Bam Brown’s creative approach to songwriting and performance has earned him headliner status at prominent festivals such as Oppikoppi, Up The Creek, and Kirstenbosch. Tanaka, the talented indie-pop artist known for his distinctive sound and deeply introspective lyrics, will round out the roster of performers.
Don’t Miss the Farewell Show
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening as Year of Dogs and these incredible artists come together for a heartwarming farewell show:
- Date: Saturday, July 15th | 7 pm to late
- Location: District | 61c Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
- Tickets: Available on Quicket
- Contact: [email protected]
As Year of Dogs’ chapter comes to a close, fans will undoubtedly cherish this final performance, remembering the band’s impact on the South African music scene and eagerly anticipating what new melodies may emerge from their hiatus.
Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.
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