Ashton Nyte and The Awakening return to SA

Ashton Nyte and The Awakening return to SA – This December marks a landmark moment for South African alternative music. Ashton Nyte and his internationally acclaimed gothic-rock project The Awakening return to the country for the first time in more than ten years. Their three-date Haunting Tour South Africa will culminate in a major headline appearance. This, at Praise the LOUD Fest – Cape Town Edition on 6 December at the Daisy Jones Bar in Stellenbosch.

More about Ashton Nyte and The Awakening

Formed in 1995, The Awakening remains one of South Africa’s most significant alternative music exports. Led by vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and author Ashton Nyte, the band has released 12 studio albums and over 300 songs, establishing a global cult following through their blend of gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk and industrial influences. Their return follows the release of their acclaimed self-titled 12th album, accompanied by cinematic music videos that have collectively garnered millions of views worldwide. For long-time fans, this homecoming offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of a band whose influence continues to resonate across continents.

Enter BLVD HVNNY

Joining them on the tour is BLVD HVNNY, the gothic-electronica project founded by Cito (Wonderboom). Known for its striking visual identity, trip-hop and dark-pop sound, and award-winning reinterpretations-including the celebrated version of “The Weeping Song”- BLVD HVNNY brings a contemporary edge to South Africa’s dark-alternative landscape. The project also appears as part of the Praise the LOUD Fest lineup.

Praise the LOUD Fest

Praise the LOUD Fest – Cape Town Edition, taking place on Saturday 6 December at Daisy Jones Bar, will feature a powerful multigenerational bill celebrating South African rock culture.

Alongside The Awakening, the festival presents:

Springbok Nude Girls – pioneers of South Africa’s alternative rock movement.
BOO! – the avant-garde “monkipunk” innovators.
PLUM – acclaimed for atmospheric, emotive indie-rock.
BLVD HVNNY – modern dark-electronica force.
Metro Villa – Cape Town’s rising punk-rock powerhouse.

The festival marks its first full-scale Cape Town edition. Bringing together the veterans of 1990s alt-rock with the new wave of artists reshaping the local scene.

Tour & Festival Dates

Thursday, 4 December – Armchair Theatre, Observatory | 20:00
Friday, 5 December – Brass Bell, Kalk Bay | 17:00
Saturday, 6 December – Praise the LOUD Fest, Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch | 16:00

All tickets available through Quicket here