Is It Now Now or Just Now? No… It’s NOW!
There’s something uniquely South African about the phrase “now now.” For anyone outside the country, it can be slightly confusing. In South African slang, “now now” doesn’t necessarily mean immediately — it means soon… but not right now. Somewhere between urgency and relaxed timing exists the magical South African middle ground known as “now now.” And for one unforgettable day at Marks Park, the NOW NOW Musical Festival perfectly captured that spirit: good people, good music, incredible energy, and a celebration of memories that felt timeless.
As always, I arrived early — being right up front at a live show is part of the experience for me. There’s something special about watching a venue slowly come alive as fans stream in wearing vintage band shirts, greeting old friends, and preparing for a night built on nostalgia. One of the underrated joys of concerts is reconnecting with familiar faces — those concert acquaintances you may only see at live events but instantly pick up conversations with as if no time has passed.
Huge credit once again goes to HOT 102.7FM and Breakout Events for putting together another outstanding and exceptionally well-organised festival. From the flow of the event to the production and atmosphere, everything ran smoothly and professionally. These are teams that genuinely understand live music culture and how to create an environment where fans can simply immerse themselves in the experience.
The entire festival felt like a giant celebration of music history and collective memories.
Opening proceedings was Absinthè — introduced perfectly by Cito as “South Africa’s favourite cover band.” Formed by Cito from Wonderboom and Paul E. Flynn from Sugardrive, the band delivered exactly what the crowd needed: familiar songs, infectious energy, and the type of performance that instantly unites generations of music fans.
Next up was Arno Carstens, who guided the audience through a solo set filled with emotion, charisma, and the unmistakable voice that has become part of South African music history. Watching Arno perform is always a reminder of how timeless great songwriting can be.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day came when Blancmange performed in South Africa for the very first time. The synth-driven beats immediately had the crowd moving, bodies bopping in rhythm as the festival transformed into a full-blown retro dance celebration. There was something incredibly special about witnessing a legendary act finally connect with a South African audience in person.
The nostalgia continued as Prime Circle celebrated 25 years of music. Their set reminded everyone exactly why they’ve remained one of the country’s most beloved rock acts for so long. Every chorus became a singalong moment as fans collectively revisited memories attached to the band’s catalogue over the past two and a half decades.
Then came the headline act: The Human League (pictured).
From the moment they stepped onto the stage, it was pure style, confidence, and iconic synth-pop brilliance. The band took the audience through a catalogue of hits that still sound as fresh and infectious today as when they first dominated airwaves decades ago. Seeing the crowd react to those timeless songs was a reminder of music’s incredible ability to transport people back to moments in their lives.
Having recently interviewed Philip Oakey for the Celeb Savant podcast made the performance feel even more surreal. Watching him command the stage in Johannesburg after our conversation added another layer of appreciation for an artist whose influence on pop and electronic music remains undeniable.
The NOW NOW Festival wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of connection, memories, and the soundtrack to so many people’s lives. It proved once again that live music remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.
And in true South African fashion — whether it’s now now, just now, or sometime soon — when music calls… you show up.
NOW.