Four Musical Originals Turn 50 and Celebrate Afrikaans in Die Vyftigers

In 2025, as Afrikaans celebrates its 100th year as an official language, four of the genre’s most distinctive musical voices—Neil Sandilands, Schalk Joubert, Gian Groen, and Abel Kraamsaal—also mark a personal milestone: their 50th birthdays. Together, they’ve turned this rare alignment into a nationwide musical celebration titled Die Vyftigers.

Each artist brings a unique perspective, history, and sound to the stage. Combined, they offer a powerful, multi-dimensional experience rooted in story, emotion, and a deep connection to Afrikaans. Their combined creative output spans more than two centuries, and Die Vyftigers is the culmination of that artistic journey—personal, playful, and profound.

The idea for the show was sparked at Gian Groen’s birthday gathering in the orchards of Grabouw. Between impromptu performances and long-standing camaraderie, actor-musician Neil Sandilands saw the potential for something more—a live production where the four friends could share their stories and sounds in celebration of both their language and their lives. The vision was clear, and with just one phone call to each artist, the project was born.

Gian Groen, best known for the evocative “Vier Seisoene Kind,” brings his signature raw vocals and finger-picked guitar melodies. He’s long been regarded for his lyrical honesty and ability to capture emotion with simplicity and depth. Joining him is Schalk Joubert, a veteran bassist whose work across multiple genres has anchored countless live performances and recordings. His technical command and sense of rhythm give Die Vyftigers a grounded, cohesive sound.

Abel Kraamsaal, making a return to the stage after years in the corporate world, reintroduces himself as a voice of lyrical clarity and introspection. His return adds depth and freshness to the performance, proving that creative sparks never fade. Then there’s Neil Sandilands, the theatrical heart of the group—an actor, singer-songwriter, and storyteller with a sharp wit and an undeniable stage presence. His narration ties the evening together, bringing humour and gravitas to every moment.

Die Vyftigers is not just a concert—it’s a living archive of personal experiences and musical evolution. The show blends old favourites from each performer’s catalogue with new, original songs written for this project. Every note is steeped in memory, every lyric in experience. And through it all, Afrikaans is the thread that weaves the stories together.

The tour is travelling across South Africa, with stops in Paternoster, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, George, Hermanus, and more. With each performance, audiences are invited to witness something rare: four seasoned artists at the height of their maturity, sharing a stage not to impress, but to connect.

For fans of authentic, lyric-driven music, Die Vyftigers offers an intimate look at four artists who have shaped—and continue to shape—the soundscape of Afrikaans music. In a year filled with milestones, this show is one that stands out not just for what it celebrates, but for who it brings together.

To see tour dates and book tickets, visit https://linktr.ee/DieVyftigers.