Syd Kitchen

Splashy Fen celebrates its milestone 20^th festival this year.  In honour of the occasion, the legendary Syd Kitchen has penned and recorded a brand-new song, Sure Thing.

Sure Thing can be listened to at www.splashyfen.co.za/sfmusic/sfsong09.html or via the Splashy Fen website at www.splashyfen.co.za where there’s a link on the home page.  Alternatively, the MP3 will be sent to you on request.

Says Syd:
“The idea behind this song was to draw attention to the diverse experience of Splashy Fen; highlight the fun and great music and facilities available there, yet remain hip and steer away from being too cheesy.  I believe we managed this.  I'm very proud of the song and am extremely chuffed with the contribution made by all involved.  I had the help of a great bunch of musicians – Roly Struckmeyer on acoustic guitar and vocals, Steve Du Plessis on drums and vocals, Ian Jones on bass and vocals, Shannon Hope on keyboards and vocals and Rod Nichols on guitar and vocals.  I play guitar, hosepipe flute and sing.  The engineer is Greg Bedford and the studio we recorded the song in is Face Studios in Westville, Durban.  Roly and Shannon both contributed to the construction of the song and for that I thank them.  So get your ya ya's out and head for Splashy Fen this Easter weekend.  It promises to be a hoot.  And I'm re-enacting my recent wedding on centre stage.  See yawl in the hills.”

Syd Kitchen hasn’t missed a single Splashy Fen since the first, pioneering gathering in October 1990.  Describing the sense of great occasion that he feels about being part of the Big 20th Splash, he says: “As the only human being alive to have played every single Splashy festival, being honoured as a ‘legend’ at the birthday special is momentous in all senses of the word.  I’ve performed at festivals right across the globe, but the uniqueness of Splashy always makes me feel like I’m back home – after all, they even have a road at the festival named after me!”

Held on a farm near Underberg in KZN, Splashy Fen has endured for nearly two decades to become South Africa’s longest-running music festival.  This year’s Big 20th Splash runs from 9 to 13 April and will feature performances by over 90 artists, including Syd Kitchen, Goldfish, Watershed, Shawn Phillips, The Rudimentals, Tony Cox, Nibs van der Spuy, Chris Chameleon, Hot Water, Dan Patlansky, Cofield Mundi featuring Brendan Jury, Madala Kunene, The Simon van Gend Band, Napalma, Gonzo Republic, The Arrows, Sugardrive, Dave Ferguson and Squeal – yes the original Squeal – among many others.

Add to that the beautiful scenery and winding rivers of the Southern Drakensberg, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, colourful craft stalls and several different camping and accommodation options and you’re set for a winner of a long weekend.  Splashy Fen has something for everyone; in fact there’s nothing else in South Africa quite like it!