How do we package Cape Town up and imagine her in audio form? Where could we start? Cape Town’s playlist consists of many genres. The cars zoom in town as the city slickers make their way to work, and the onlooker dreams of the beach where the waves will lull his mind to rest. He walks to the marketplace that buzzes with words only locals will understand as the tourist marvels at the vibrance of it all; thinking about how the earth will crunch under his feet as he hikes later on. And the hiking trail hears the wind as the wind hears the seagulls’ in chatter discussing how the homeless singer’s music is a nice break from his yelling.
Yes, to tour by sound is a special way to immerse yourself in the Mother City’s culture.
Here are some places to add to your audio map of Cape Town:
The soothing sea sounds of Llandudno
Llandudno is one of the best spots to sit back and let the sleepy sounds of the ocean soothe you, or wake you up as they politely crash and recede. Why this crescent haven? For starters, it’s one of the less tourist-populated beaches in the Cape, so you’ll be able to hear the ocean with smoother notes. Void of surrounding shops or harbours, the turquoise waters and their show become the main focus for the longing listener.
- Location: Llandudno Beach, Llandudno
The buzz at Mojo Market and the Seagulls of Sea Point
Mojo Market teems with every walk of life – from the lekker twang of a more local accent we might recognise, to the entourage of worldwide travellers’ tongues. Mojo lets you travel the world, and all it takes is a trip to Sea Point. There are a myriad of sounds to hear at Mojo, from the live music performances to the sizzling sound of your next favourite burger. However, of all the vibrance I’ve heard at Mojo over time, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt, the loudest act resides just outside and can be found throughout Sea Point at any given turn. Who are the performers behind this omnipotent sound? The seagulls, of course.
- Location: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
- Website: MOJO Market
The live music jives at the V&A Waterfront
Anyone who has ever been to the V&A Waterfront can attest to the warmth and vibrance in the form of sound, thanks to the artists at the Quay District. The marimba band has welcomed people from all over the world to the Mother City, and in return, evoked the sound of applause time and time again. The jovial and upbeat music has an infectious way of making anyone feel welcome.
- Location: 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
- Website: V&A Waterfront
The Fisherman’s chatter at Kalk Bay Harbour
Kalk Bay Harbour boasts all the sounds an ear can imagine – from the Kalkies restaurant roaring your order number for a delicious fish and chips dish, to the bubbling sound of children’s laughter as they marvel at the array of boats in their worn paint. Amongst the symphony of life lies the sound of fishermen in their chatter. Victories or frustrations circling the catch (or miss) of the day flavour the ears.
- Location: Kalk Bay
The sound of movement at the Promenade
The rush of wheels and takkies taking on the promenade is one of my favourite sounds at Sea Point Promenade. I lived only a few minutes away from the prom once upon a time, and of all the sounds I would hear, those of movement always captivated me the most. The avid joggers’ feet beating the pavement as they strive toward self-improvement, the cyclists and their bells ringing merrily, and of course the whoosh of skateboarders, longboards and rollerskaters dashing past you before the sound hit your ears. As many locals would say, “we move”. And, for those who love the sound of wheels in all their forms, I insist you treat yourself to witness and listen to the thrills of Promenade Mondays where all skaters are welcome.
- Location: Sea Point Promenade
Mosque prayers in Bo-kaap
If you’ve ever been in or around Bo-Kaap and are not of the Islamic faith, then you’ll know the startling chime of prayer calls nudging you out of sleep at 4am or 5am (depending on the day) all too well. The prayer sounds are iconic, and even for the least-spiritual person, they are emotion-evoking. There are multiple prayer times throughout the day, from Fajr to Isha, so even if you slept through dusk’s call, you will certainly hear the holy hours’ peal.
- Location: Bo Kaap
The trader’s buzz at Green Market Square
Locals selling their wares is one of the most colourful experiences in the City. On a warm summer’s day especially, the trading hive in the city centre bursts into sounds. Your ears will stumble across the buzzing of bargaining, negotiating, laughter, singing, wandering musicians and a dispute (or two) but most of all, an audio slice of market life.
- Location: Burg St &, Longmarket St
The metrorail trains on the move
The metrorail’s motion can be heard from Kalk Bay to Kenilworth. It’s one of the lesser-thought of sounds that make Cape Town, well, Cape Town. But this sound connects all of the Mother City. It’s the sound that’s always on the go. And, if you truly want to immerse yourself in a local experience, then hop on.
- Website: Metrorail
Various sounds at the ArmChair Theatre
Hymns of laughter, soft strumming guitars or new vocals galloping across multiple genres – the pick is yours at the ArmChair Theatre. There are too many places to hear the music scenes in Cape Town, but if one place encapsulates most of them, it’s Observatory’s gem.
- Location: 135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Website: The ArmChair Theatre
Church Bells taming Long Street
Long Street is easily one of the nosiest streets in Cape Town’s city centre. However, when the church bells chime the noise of the iconic street drowns out. It’s a beautiful and marvellous, messy kind of symphony – Long Street and the Bells who tame her for a moment. If you are set on hearing all Long Street has to offer and are curious about the bells’ home, enjoy one of Long Street’s loves in the form of a coffee date before following your ears to St Martini Evangelical Lutheran Church.
- Location: Long Street
Howling winds of Blouberg
The whistling, howling and moaning of Cape Town’s winds are on full volume at Blouberg. Journey to Bloubergstrand on a windy day in the Cape if you love the sound of wind forces rushing, and you’ll understand what a true mouthful of fresh air sounds like. There’s a reason that Kite surfers can always be spotted soaring at Blouberg beach – and it’s definitely not just for the views.
- Location: Bloubergstrand Beach
The gushing water of waterfall hikes
The sound of gushing and trickling water bodies is easily one of the most peaceful sounds in the world. Luckily for the peace-seeking traveller, we have an oasis of waterfall hiking trails that will calmly guide your ears just as the luscious green visions guide your feet. What a sound for sore ears! Here are some stunning waterfall hikes to go on.
The penguins at Boulders Beach
Penguins are chatty birds, no matter the occasion. Their peeping, honking or squawking (depending on the dispute) is one of the most memorable sounds you’ll take away from a trip to Boulders Beach. The African penguins who reside at the Boulders Beach colony are the residents of honour at Boulders. People travel near and far for a glimpse at their livelihood and a listen-in on their conversations.
- Location: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town
The engine roars at Camps Bay
Camps Bay is easily one of the busiest spots in Cape Town. But of all the sounds that cruise past the strip of luxury, the roaring engines of glamourous cars compete with lions. It’s not always the sound we want to hear whilst trying to enjoy a calm glass of rosé gazing out at the beach, but it is an audio insight into the wealth of Cape Town.
The sounds of a Festival in Cape Town
One of the sounds I missed the most during the pandemic’s harder phases, was that of unity guided by music and dance. The sounds of a festival are some of the most special ones a person can hear. They forever become our audio-memory, taped to a night of togetherness. No matter the genre of your preference, the sounds of a festival, especially in Cape Town, will ring in your ears long after you’ve cut off your ticket band. An exciting upcoming festival is Corona Sunsets, whose sounds we last heard in 2019.
Also read:
The great Cape Town bucket list for 2022 – locals share their wishes
Picture: @craighowes
