OPROER!

Maak geraas. Maak geskiedenis.  Be loud. Be heard.

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 1.⁠ ⁠Introduction

OPROER! is South Africa’s ultimate Battle of the Bands for school musicians and young creators. It’s loud, local, and unapologetically original. No covers. No backing tracks. No holding back. OPROER! is a national platform that discovers and celebrates the real sound of South Africa’s next generation, from school fields to festival stages.

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 2.⁠ ⁠Objectives

• To give young South Africans a platform to perform and create original music.

• To encourage schools to promote music, performance, and creativity.

• To inspire originality and authenticity.

• To merge live performance and AI music creation.

To identify and nurture new musical talent through mentorship and exposure.

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 3.⁠ ⁠Categories

• Primary School Bands (Ages 9–13): Live performance, three original songs.

• High School Bands (Ages 14–18): Live performance, three original songs.

• ⁠AI Music Creations (Under 18): Digital-only submissions; one original AI-assisted song with human vocals and prompt history.

• Audience Choice Award: Live and online voting.
  *Age of the oldest band member will be the decider on category*

 

  4.⁠ ⁠Format

The competition unfolds in three stages:

•  Applications: Submit one video of an original song.

•  Regional Heats: Held in North, South, and Central regions. Top 3 per category go to the final.

•  National Final: OPROERFEST!, a festival-style event featuring live shows and mentorship (currently part of the Impiefees2026)

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 5.⁠ ⁠Entry Rules

• All music must be original (no covers or remixes - due to SAMRO and copyright issues).

• Bands must have 2–5 members enrolled in a South African school.

• Perform 3 original songs (max 15 min total). AI entries: 1 track (max 4 min) with prompt history and proof of human vocals.

• Respectful conduct. OPROER! is loud, not rude.

Artists retain ownership; OPROER! may use songs and clips for marketing.
No explicit lyrics or hate speech allowed.

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 6.⁠ ⁠Judging Criteria

• ⁠Originality and Overall Impact: 30%

• Performance & Stage Presence: 20%

• Musicality: 40%

• Creativity & Concept: 10%
  *Judges decision is final*
   

 7.⁠ ⁠Prizes may include:

• ⁠Professional studio recording + mentorship.

• Maybe Some Gear

• Brand and Marketing Strategy build
   

 8.⁠ ⁠Timeline (2026)

• Applications Open: November 2025

• Applications Close: 15 January 2026

• Regional Heats: February 2026

• Semi Final  March 2026 (at Impiefees)

• Final OPROERFEST! Venue to be confirmed
   

 9.⁠ ⁠Judging Panel

Composed of South African musicians, producers, and creative professionals representing live and digital music scenes. Guest mentors and surprise artists will appear at OPROERFEST.
 

  10.⁠ ⁠How to Enter

Submit via website or through your school coordinator. Include band name, school, member names and ages, and a video link of one original song. AI entries must include the track, prompt history, and description.
 

  11.⁠ ⁠Intellectual Property

Artists retain full copyright and authorship. Entries must be original and free from third-party claims. OPROER! encourages participants to register with SAMRO and consider trade mark protection for band names.
 

  12.⁠ ⁠Partnerships & Sponsors

OPROER! invites collaboration from schools, music studios, equipment brands, creative sponsors, and IP partners (like STEYN IP). Media and festival partners will broadcast and promote the finals.
 

  13.⁠ ⁠Closing Statement

OPROER! 2025 is not just about music; it’s about identity, originality, and youth expression. It’s where South Africa’s next generation steps up, plugs in, and turns the volume all the way up.