Die Heuwels Fantasties

Die Heuwels Fantasties, translated as "The Hills Fantastic," is an Afrikaans alternative electro-pop band based in Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa. The group consists of Hunter Kennedy, known for his work with Fokofpolisiekar and formerly aKING; Pierre Greeff of Lukraaketaar; Fred den Hartog of Thieve; and Sheldon Yoko of Die Gevaar. The band was formed when Kennedy's and Greeff's previous bands went on hiatus, leading the two to establish their own record label, Supra Familias. Die Heuwels Fantasties describes its music as melodic songs written on acoustic guitar, interpreted with both electronic and organic instruments. The group is recognized as South Africa's first successful Afrikaans electronic act, noted for its energetic stage presence and distinctive music style within the South African music industry.

The band released its self-titled debut album through Supra Familias, blending electro-pop and alternative rock, and featuring collaborations with Francois Van Coke, Laudo Liebenberg, Adriaan Brand, Neil Basson, and Jack Parow. The single "Vinger Alleen" preceded the album, spending three weeks at number one on the Afrikaans television music channel MK and earning a nomination for Best Video at the MK Awards before the band had performed live. Die Heuwels Fantasties won a SAMA Award for Best Alternative Album in Afrikaans for "Die Heuwels Fantasties." The group also achieved success with the single "Doodegewone Aand," which appeared on the soundtrack for the Afrikaans comedy "Bakgat 2."

The band's second album, "Wilder As Die Wildtuin," marked its first full-band effort and featured 14 tracks with a more traditional pop/rock approach and lyrics reflecting on life in South Africa. This release reached number one on the SABC Top 20 seller chart, making Die Heuwels Fantasties the first Afrikaans group to achieve this milestone. The band won all four MK Awards for which it was nominated that year. Subsequent gold-selling albums include "Alles Wat Mal," "Ja. Nee. Lekker," and "Okay!," further establishing Die Heuwels Fantasties as a leading Afrikaans pop group.

The band has released eight studio albums and four EPs, all through Supra Familias. During the nationwide lockdown, Die Heuwels Fantasties launched the album "2021" via a live streaming event featuring South African artists such as Tarryn Lamb, Arno Carstens, Jack Parow, and Francois van Coke. The single "Belleville" served as the lead track from the ninth studio album, "C'est La Vie," and included collaborations with Francois van Coke, Jack and June, Coenie de Villiers, and others. Die Heuwels Fantasties is known for polished, energetic performances and a repertoire of radio hits, maintaining a strong presence at major South African music festivals including Rock the River, Oppikoppie, and Kirstenbosch, and has opened for international acts such as Kings of Leon.