7 Songs About Cape Town

Cape Town.  Kaapstad.  The Mother City.    

The cosmopolitan city at the southern end of Africa is defined by its breath-taking beauty, exquisite food and palpable energy.  There is no place like it and for the past four years I have been privileged to call this place home.  As my time here comes to an end, I thought it appropriate to put together a playlist inspired by this amazing city.  Perhaps these songs will inspire you to sample what the city has to offer.

Table Mountain – Miriam Makeba

“During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Mountain at its magnificent silhouette … To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.”– Former President Nelson Mandela    

Who could resist the sweet voice of Mama Africa singing about Cape Town’s iconic and symbolic landmark (and now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World)?  Even after four years, my spirits lift whenever I gaze at the mountain.

Op Blouberg se Strand – Laurika Rauch

This is a classic Laurika song that has stood the test of time.  Anyone who has ever strolled along Blouberg, with its incomparable views of the city and the mountain, will understand the sentiments expressed in this song.

Where the wind blows - Coco O. Of Quadron

Taken from Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby soundtrack, this song could also be seen as a nod to the infamous wind that blows around the Cape Peninsula from time to time.

Two more bottles of wine – Emmylou Harris

One can’t visit the Cape without enjoying a bottle (realistically, more than one bottle) of locally produced wines from any one of the plethora of scenic wine estates in the region. 

Harbor Song – Suzanne Vega

Cape Town’s harbour, the surrounding network of canals and the V & A Waterfront have become top attractions for the city.  There are a number of sunset, sightseeing and catamaran cruises departing from the Waterfront, as well as the Robben Island ferries.  It is a special place that I never tire of visiting.

On the beach – Chris Rea

Cape Town has some of the best beaches in the world – from Blouberg to Clifton to Camps Bay, the golden sand and sparkling blue water will keep you coming back for more.  The ocean temperature is typically on the chilly side but that doesn’t seem to deter swimmers, suffers and kite surfers.

Hemel op Tafelberg  - Kurt Darren

I could not resist including another song about Table Mountain, a guilty pleasure by Afrikaans pop singer Kurt Darren.