Band Profiles

There are many bands formed in the city, there are many more from around the country that make it a point to head to Johannesburg, city of gold to play a gig. Click on Band image to read more.

Leading to a vibrant underground scene and a resurgence of South African band music with a global appeal, these bands and collectives have been inseparable from that narrative. Join us as we delve into the short profiles of these groundbreaking bands, tracing influences and celebrating the continuation of a musical revolution.

Lerato.Orchestral.Collective.

Lerato Orchestral Collective (L.O.C)** is a bold, six-piece Johannesburg-based ensemble that reimagines orchestral depth through the lens of love, community, and sonic rebellion. Founded as a solo project by visionary lead vocalist Lesedi Abdul Hakeem Mustafa (Sibiya), the group has evolved into a true collective, drawing on jazz, soul, psychedelic rock, punk energy, and indigenous rhythms like maskandi to create immersive, ritual-like performances that feel like shared meditations.At the heart of L.O.C* is "Lerato" — love in Sesotho — a guiding philosophy that infuses every note, lyric, and connection they build with audiences and fellow artists. The lineup includes powerhouse drummer and backing vocalist Biko Bilal Tshepo Maqetuka Mabusé (Biko Maq), bassist Sile Kubheka, guitarist Kayleb Sass, and guitarist Sihle Ribisi, all channeling raw improvisation, live instrumentation, and electronic textures into something transcendent.

Their debut album, Lerato La Rona (released August 11, 2025), has quickly become a standout in the new wave of South African indie, with standout tracks like "UMHLABA," "SWIM," "7/5," "MAROPENG," and "BADIMO" and my absolute favourite "UNGANGBIZI" blending introspection with explosive grooves.

Fresh off a live unplugged session and discussion on 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja (January 16, 2026), L.O.C* continues to perform in intimate and unconventional spaces, from urban basements like Untitled Basement in Braamfontein to gardens and galleries — turning every show into a communal experience. Influenced by the rich legacy of Johannesburg's LIVE MUSIC scenes L.O.C* is making music; WHILE fostering a space where love, collaboration, and cultural roots collide to push boundaries. Follow their journey on Instagram for live clips, updates, and the next ritual. This is collective intelligence in motion — rooted in Lerato.

Shameless

The band members (Thabang Khonje, Musa Zwane & Thabo Masina aka Rock Ruler Live) met on stage at a local, community jam session called Sawubona Music Jam, where they instantly“knew

They played their first shows without a name, but with their first batch of original songs. As the need for a name grew, they looked at themselves and their surroundings; rock music is very rare in South Africa, especially in the so-called eKasi (townships) - segregated neighbourhoods where black people were forced to live under apartheid.

Full with the energy of their music they realised how shameless they are to be mixing two cultures—western rock music and African eKasi street culture. They are called Shameless Band on DSPs and Shameless Band SA on social media; you can call them Shameless.

Operation Khataza

Operation Khataza is a dynamic eight-piece band led by the enigmatic Farrah Khataza, a mystical character brought to life by singer/songwriter, guitarist, and selector Sanele Blaai. Tracing its roots back to 2023, the band is a product of the unique interconnectedness of the Observatory neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa. A meeting ground and melting pot, Observatory is a physical manifestation of counter-culturalism and the new thinking sweeping across this generation. Creating music under the slogan “Sonic Liberation Across Alkebulan” (Alkebulan being a pre-colonial name for the African continent), Operation Khataza’s mission is to awaken a generation and a society. By (re)forming communities through music and smashing social divisions to pieces, the Operation energises, revitalises and re-conscientises audiences and spaces with its high-impact, punchy performances. Music, in the hands of the Operation, is a weapon of love and liberation. The band's eccentric sound is a captivating blend of Afro-futurist nostalgia, drawing influences from a rich tapestry of genres such as Zamrock, South African jazz, kwaito, soukous, highlife, R&B, blues, and rock & roll. Operation Khataza's music transcends boundaries, delivering a profound and soul-stirring experience.

21 Children

Twenty One Children consists of Abdula Skink on vocals, Thulasizwe Nkosi on guitar and Jazz Nkosi on drums. (Jazz and Thula have no relation).

L8 ANTIQUE

The band was formed by Lebo Mahlatji in 2007, in Alexandra Township. It has since shared stages with the likes of Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experience, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana,The Mahotella Queens, Fifi, Queen Godis (USA), BLK Jacks, The Brother Moves On, Vusi Mahlasela and McCoy Mrubata. It has also appeared in prominent live music events such as The International Arts Alive Festival, Jazz On The Lake and the Wits Art & Literature Festival.

In 2011, L8 Antique was voted Johannesburg’s No. 1 band by the Gauteng Department of Sports Arts Culture & Recreation. Their music, Str8 Tribal, was featured in the film Cast The First Stone, on DSTV. Their song Mnyamane was written as a stand against xenophobia and also featured in a documentary addressing the same theme, called Somehow Different. The band has also been recorded live for the upcoming documentary, WorldSouth. In 2017, L8 Antique was a semi finalist in the Afropunk Battle of the Bands. In the same period their music also featured in the award-winning Breaking Ballet campaign, produced by TBWA for Joburg Ballet, in conjunction with The Department of Water and Sanitation. 2024 L8 ANTIQUE won the Bailey's Battle Of The Bands being the only Black band in the competition.

UMLE

UMLE is a duo of artists who make good music. They reside in Port Elizabeth and have managed to win the hearts of the P.E. intimate scene. The aim is to take them as a brand to international recognition, yet remaining independent. The way they describe the music is “Sis Today’ (today’s sound mixed with all influences). Folk band Umle, is a perfect blend of sound and melody seasoned with a pinch of soul, spiced with boom bap, hip hop and mbaqanga. Besides Umle being an authentic home-grown name, in isiXhosa it refers to the blackish residue that leaves a permanent mark to those who come across their sound. The band wants to leave a permanent mark to those who come across their sound. Their lyrical content, is a fluid combination of isiXhosa and English, it reports on social issues that the band witnesses around and tries to deliver a message of hope in a comedic manner with very lively performances. The duo is inclusive of Siphamandla Fete, the guitarist who sets the tone for Siyabonga Radu who is the vocalist to voice the stories.

MICASA

Formed in 2011 in Johannesburg, Mi Casa features Portuguese-born singer Joao da Fonseca, aka J'Something; DJ/producer Sipho Mphahlaza, aka Dr. Duda; and trumpeter Moshe Kgasoane, aka Mo-T. The group initially met at a club and debuted several months later with the full-length Mi Casa album. The album proved a success, spawning the hit single "These Streets" and earning gold status. It also took home three South African Music Awards for Best Dance Album, Newcomer of the Year, and Record of the Year. The group also gained wider visibility opening for Drake. They followed with 2013's Su Casa, which featured the song "Jika," and included collaborations with Jimmy Nevis, Black Coffee, and Mishka. In 2015, Mi Casa released the double-disc Home Sweet Home, which featured the tracks "Chocolate" and "Barman," and included guest spots from Boddhi Satva, Rancido, Quesswho, and others. The band's fourth album, Familia, arrived in 2017, featuring the track "Feeling You." In 2020, Mi Casa celebrated their tenth anniversary with the release of We Made It. Included on the album was the single "Church Bells."

SKeleton Band.

Maskanda from the township of Umlazi in Durban, South Africa. Produced and recorded by Juno Reactor's Ben Watkins in 1995 during his residence at the seconf Outernational Meltdown sessions in Johannesburg. The album features sessions by Busi Mhlongo, Jessica Lauren, Lungiswa, Max Lässer and Pops Mohamed.

Recorded end of 1995 at Downtown Studios in Johannesburg during the second Outernational Meltdown recordings by M.E.L.T. 20000. It was during these sessions when Ben Watkins discovered the talents of Mabi Thobejane and members of Amampondo which consequently led to the first tour of Juno Reactor with African musicians. Juno Reactor toured the USA with Moby at that point. Skeleton are a Durban (Zulu) based maskanda group and for the first time in the long history of this very traditional form of rap presented almost exclusively by male, have stomping techno flavored beats put a new twist to it. Ben Watkinks's production skills are immaculate and his range of musical taste allows for working with always new and experimental flavors.

When originally recorded Skeleton was a four-piece Maskanda band from Zululand featuring:

Themba "Ncane" Ngubane, born December 23, 1957, in Greytown, lead singer and drums;

the late "Skeleton" Musa Ngubane, born 1960 in Greytown, late lead guitarist;

Mangisi Zondo, born 1963 in Bulwer, keyboards and the late Zandile Zuma, born 1972 in Greytown, backing vocals and bass.

All members of the band came from the rural towns of Zululand and resided in the sprawling township of Umlazi, south of Durban

Horizon Duo.

he Horizon was formed in 2010, as two talented young guitarists met musically at the ‘Monday Blues’ music session in Melville. Zwelibandzi Matsebula and Brandon Chawane are both accomplished self taught guitarists who have played as lead guitarists with numerous other bands, and whose sounds spans the African continent and the world. Together, this acoustic duo writes and composes their own music, and plays all style from Spanish and African to rock, jazz, soul and many more. Their melodies and compositions are both emotional and technically astute.

A few months after being discovered by Store House Music, the duo recorded their first debut album titled “DEEPER”, which was positively received by the industry and fans. Another career highlight includes being featured in an MNET COMMISSIONED FILM called ‘CAST THE FIRST STONE’ written by Lehlogonolo Moropane known as ‘Shaft’.

SunXa Experiment.

Sun Xa Experiment is an Ancestral spiritual Avant garde out the box group hailing from Gauteng and Durban South Africa born in 2014. A 5 piece live music band that caters a spiritual Ancestral sound that tells of stories of who we are as the global community without race colour or nation. With their music

LoveGlori.

The South African urban-jazz band grew popular in Johannesburg’s underground scene and completed a number of national tours, performing on stages like the Bassline, the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, Sophiatown, Darkies Café, Moyo’s Zoo Lake, Hard Rock Café, the Hot Box in Umtata, the Dojo in Bloemfontein, the BAT Centre in Durban to name a few.

LoveGlori broke into the mainstream after the airing of a documentary on the past, present, and future of soul music titled ‘Sisters with Soul’ on SABC 1, which opened up more opportunities and unlocked more platforms for the band to share what they called “their message of change through love and song”.

The reunion of the magical duo marks a new chapter in the live music scene globally, a testament of the divine power of womxn when they grow and build together. It is a statement on the loud and proud presence of the queer community and the LoveGlori music, old and new, is based on therapy, the culture, and religion of love, a belief in the gifts of the Divine Self, and the great potential of the Afri-Can continent and humanity on a global scale.

LoveGlori is a movement about the Glory of God, it is both the kraal and the church, a political party for and by the people, and a call to action for all melanated beings across the diaspora to remember our-selves, to better lean into ourselves so we can better lean on each other.

Tananas

Tananas, (pronounced tuh-naa-nuhs) is a South African band formed in 1987. the word, Tananas is from the indian dialect of telegu, meaning drunk. Steve Newman met Gito Baloi at a music venue in braamfontein called, Jamesons. Mozambican, Gito Baloi (bass and vocals), and Ian Herman (drums and percussion) were the rhythm section at Shifty Records. The independent label Shifty Records, ended up recording them with Steve Newman on Guitar and Vocals. Tananas combines jazz, Mozambican salsa and township jive (or mbaqanga). They have released eight albums, the last two on the Sony label.

Tananas have built a loyal following in their home country since the late 1980s, and they have performed at WOMAD festivals around the world. They have worked individually or as a band with Paul Simon and Sting,and have shared a stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Suzanne Vega and Youssou N’dour.

The Fridge.

The Fridge was an up and coming neo-jazz ensemble from Johannesburg, South Africa, made up of Nigerian-born drummer Adebayo Omotade, bass guitarist Mothusi Thusi (son of a trombone player and a jazz singer) and vocalist Samthing Soweto (real name, Samkelo Mdolomba). The drummer and the guitarist had been jamming together for a minute before they hooked up with falsetto singer Samthing Soweto two years . Ade said he nervously walked up to the songwriter after watching him perform at a venue in Jo’burg and invited him to come along for a jam session. The rest, as they say, is history.

Bass, Drums and Sam is the trio’s debut EP., which is luckily still available on streaming services. The 25-minute-long compilation, according to Ade, was recorded in a friend’s room “on his laptop using two dynamic mics.” Because of the size of the makeshift studio, each of the band members recorded their parts separately; beginning with Thusi on Bass and ending Sam on vocals. The result is an enjoyable five-track appetite-whetter; an interesting fusion of jazz with more urban music forms. “This amalgamation of these two sounds,” Ade says, “Is better known as urbanscape. It is exactly that, a subtle blend of jazz and more urban contemporary music.” Thematically, the compositions on this EP are rooted in the hustle and bustle of city-life in Johannesburg and it makes for delightful commentary.

Ade says that their musical “influences are cemented in the current neo-jazz movement. Jazzanova and Bonobo are good examples

340ml

340ml (pronounced: three forty mil) is an African musical group who originate from Mozambique, Maputo, but are now based in Johannesburg, South Africa. They have therefore jokingly been described by some as being "Jozambican". The band incorporates many different elements into their music including dub, jazz, ska, Afro-jazz and reggae. It is therefore very difficult to attach the band to any specific music genre, as their style is rather unusual. The music that 340ml produces is often described as having a very relaxed African-feel to it, and also strongly incorporates elements of Latin music, and to a lesser extent, Marrabenta. Their music has also been described by Jean Barker (a music critic on "Channel24.co.za".) as "sounding better than a cold beer opening on a hot day."

Kwani Experience

Kwani Experience is a legendary South African musical ensemble from Johannesburg, often dubbed "The Most Famous Unknown Band". Formed in 2003, they are pioneers of a unique genre called "Mudaland Funk," a soulful fusion of jazz, funk, isicathamiya, maskandi, and hip-hop. They gained prominence after winning the 2004 Standard Bank Totally Jazzed Contest. Their debut album, The Birth of the Mudaland Funk (2005), is considered a timeless classic in the SA music scene.

After a long hiatus that began in 2012, the band recently reunited to celebrate their 20-year legacy. They have performed at major events like AfroPunk Joburg. Their music often addresses heavy themes like mental health and social issues, serving as a "place of healing" for their multi-generational fan base.

Tidal Wave

After 12 years and 5 albums, Tidal Waves are considered the hardest working reggae band in South Africa, often playing over 100 shows a year. The band consists of Jacob ‘Jakes’ Wulana (guitar & vocals), Samuel 'Drumbo' Shoai (drums), Shadrack Mathopa (bass), Jaco ‘Mr’ Mans (lead guitar) and Johannes Papasha (keyboard). The band write and perform original reggae music with blues, mbaqanga and rock influences. They are renowned for performing in English, Afrikaans, Setswana and Tshivhenda. Their albums include Hard Work (1999), Harmonijah (2002), Muzik an da Method (2005) and Afrika (2007).

To mark their 10-year anniversary in 2009, they recorded their fifth album, Manifesto, and completed a nationwide tour. 2010 saw the band tour the world, with performances in France, Germany and China. That year they were selected as the house band for Samas, the backing band for Ziggy Marley in Soweto and the opening act for international dub band The Easy Star All Stars. In 2011 they showcased their skills at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and embarked on a month-long tour of the USA. They have also graced stages in New Zealand, Mozambique and Swaziland and remain a crowd favourite at Oppikoppi in South Africa.

Urban Village

Born in Mzimhlope, Orlando West Soweto, Lerato Lichaba is a self taught Guitarist who began his journey with the guitar at the age of 16 years at the historical Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West.

In March 2014, Lerato founded the Urban Village. It is a musical motion of sound fused by urban and rural influences based on society’s daily survival, struggles and joys.

The band is made up of young, self-taught and experiential artists from Soweto, Johannesburg. The Urban Village sound can be described as South African folk music layered with electric, funky acoustic melodies and a blend of traditional influences. The band signed to French record label, No Format and released a project in 2021.

The Urban Village music encourages and motivates, entertains, and awakens cultural and traditional consciousness. Moreover, the music content encapsulates day-to-day personal and societal experiences echoed with teachings by the elderly.

Planet Lindela

Three dudes make up Planet Lindela: Bradley Mngomezulu Maponya (double bass); Tebogo Mokoena (saxophone) and Gontse Makhene (percussionist and drums). Their sound reverberated loud and clear through the tiny hole in which they played.

Kujenga

Kujenga is an afro-jazz band based in Cape Town. The word ‘kujenga’ comes from the Swahili language, and it simply means “to build.” The name symbolises the band’s belief in their calling as musicians; to build and create meaningful experiences with every single listener, through their art. The band features Owethu Ndwandwe on lead vocals and keys, twin brother Zwide Ndwandwe on bass, Thane Smith on electric guitar and Skhumbuzo Qamata on drums. Kujenga’s music is a combination of different genres which come from the African diaspora, with Black improvisational music being the central point of the band’s sound. Kujenga released their debut album Nationality in 2019, an album which explored various themes including Africanism, spirituality, and political expression. The band released their second full length studio album in 2024.

The Muffinz

In early 2011 The five young musicians made for a refreshing change from the usual run of the mill rappers and house DJs, who were dominating the popular music scene. They played real instruments, in a genre outside the usual live instrument genres of gospel and jazz, reviving a pop band culture that transcended the underground space onto a commercial almost mass appeal. Added to that is all five musicians are great singers in their different genres of expertise.

The group began in 2010 when Mthae, Simz and Atomza met while singing in the UJ (University Of Johannesburg) Internationally Renowned Kingsway Choir. Perhaps an attempt to be more rock n roll”, the three of them decided to gather their guitars and form a band adding Drummer Keke Mabusela and Bassist Karabo Moeketsi. They released a critically acclaimed debut album, followed by a Sophomore Album titled "Do What You Love" in 2015.

BLK JKS

South African band BLK JKS melts down a wide array of bold styles into a decidedly indie rock format, incorporating elements of prog, highlife, reggae, and electronic texture into songs that sound akin to Mars Volta or TV on the Radio. After riding out the late 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s in a storm of activity and positive buzz, the band underwent lineup changes, and some members focused on various side projects for a ten-year period. In May of 2021, BLK JKS returned with sophomore album Abantu/Before Humans.

BLK JKS was founded in 2000 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The original line-up was comprised of guitarists Lindani Buthelezi and Mpumi Mcata, who grew up together in Johannesburg's East Rand, and Soweto natives Molefi Makananise (bass) and Tshepang Ramoba (drums). After a self-released eponymous EP in 2006, BLK JKS made their international recording debut in 2007 with a limited-edition 10" vinyl release of the single "Lakeside." In 2008 the band was befriended by Diplo during a DJ tour of South Africa, and after he spread some positive word about them, BLK JKS were offered a recording contract with Secretly Canadian, one of America's premier indie rock labels. The band made its Secretly Canadian debut in 2009 with the four-track Mystery EP, which was recorded in collaboration with producer Brandon Curtis of Secret Machines and features a new version of "Lakeside." Around this time, BLK JKS became a media favorite, appearing on the cover of the trend-setting magazine Fader, and mounted tours of both the United States and Europe, including appearances at the South by Southwest and Big Chill festivals. Not long after their debut full-length After Robots, in the summer of 2010, the band returned with their second EP Zol!

Iphupho LikaBiko

Phupho L’ka Biko is an Afrikanist band of Azania, based in Johannesburg. The collective was formed 2015 in Braamfontein by bassist and composer Nhlanhla Ngqaqu who was born in Kagiso. The band is composed of rhythm, horns and vocal sections. iPhupho refers to God the giver and fulfiller of dreams, and Biko speaks to black consciousness. The band, therefore, seeks to spiritually awaken and to conscientize the masses through music. iPhupho L'ka Biko band members are:
Nhlanhla Ngqaqu - bass
Sibusiso Malindzisa - keys
Lebohang Moleleki - drums
Tumi Pheko - long cornet
Khutjo Nkwana - alto sax
Kgethi Nketsi - trombone
Miseka Gaqa - vocals
Pulane Mafatshe - vocals
Moeketsi Kgotle - vocal
Koketso Poho - vocals
Sibusiso Mkhize - vocals

In the past years iPhupho L’ka Biko has ventured into collaborations with the likes of bra Khaya Mahlangu, Makhafula Vilakazi, Msaki, Siyabonga Mthembu, Kinsmen and Hymphatic Thabs.

BCUC

Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) moves the audience – both physically and emotionally – with an explosion of passion, funk and rhythm. With their music, straight from the ancestors, BCUC wants to question the common worldview on modern Africa. The basic ingredients of BCUC’s sound are the traditional whistle, percussion and a rocking guitar. Topped by the raw combative voice of Jovi, flowing rap by Luja and Hloni, the sweet and clear vocals of Kgomotso – the only woman in the band – and chants of all four vocals together. They baptised their unique sound as ‘indigenous funky soul’.

BCUC takes the audience along on an intriguing journey to the secret world of modern Africa. They want to rectify western assumptions and show the post-apartheid South Africa from a young, contemporary, different perspective. In eleven languages BCUC discusses the harsh reality of Africa where especially the unemployed worker forever stays at the bottom of the food chain. And also they tap into the elusiveness of the spirit world of ancestors that fascinates them. Africa portrayed by BCUC is not poor at all, but rich in tradition, rituals and beliefs.

“We see ourselves as modern freedom fighters who have to tell the story of Soweto’s past, present and future to the world.”

The Brother Moves On

The Brother’s sound is a tradition-trouncing trans-Atlantic Afro-centric futuristically ancient fusion that jack knifes between off-world spectral dub-metal, hyper rhythmic rock psychedelia, indie-township, and astro-afro-free-jazz. Taking a cue from that other “Brother From Another Planet” Sun Ra they embrace a multi-genre, multimedia aesthetic, re-challenging hip-hop’s five pillars (MCing, DJing, B-boying, and graffiti writing) into a conceptechnic performance art project that incorporates historical, political, and sociological perspectives”. Stacey from the African Space Station.

The Brother Moves On collective have recorded two new albums since the Covid break, a retrospective of the South African jazz tradition “Tolika Mtoliki”with Matsuli Records featuring Bokani Dyer, Muhammad Dawjee and Mthunzi Mvubu, and their sophomore album “S/he Who Feeds You..” due out on another UK boutique label in 2022. The collective is part of the acclaimed “Indaba Is” compilation out on Brownswood Recordings in January 2021 having recorded a track with Thandi Ntuli entitled “Umthandazo Wamagenge” which is an ode to the tradition and its intersection with the streets. The band perform as their stripped-down 4 piece act featuring Ayanda Zalekile on vox & bass, Simphiwe Tshabalala on vox & drums, Siyabonga Mthembu on vox & chants, Zelizwe Mthembu on vox and guitar. The band become a big band with the addition of their horn section comprised of Mthunzi Mvubu on alto sax and flute, Muhammad Dawjee on tenor sax and Malcolm Jiyane on trombone.

Les Fantastiques

Les Fantastiques is Joburg’s n°1 Congolese band, experts in Rumba, Soukouss and… dressing up! The band was founded 20 years ago by Nseka Bienvenu on guitar and Cacharel on vocals. They have performed in many countries (from Mozambique to Zambia, Namibia to Angola…) and festivals (Makufe, Moretele Park…). They have released 2 albums and will take you to Kinshasa and back during the course of a few songs!

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