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Africa shares an ancient bond with music that has remained intact from the worst times of the continent’s history to the best. Therefore, it is no surprise that some of the most popular bands in history came into being in one of its countries. South Africa has been the birthplace of some of one of the most globally acclaimed bands and solo artists who have achieved overwhelming success in their lives.
Below are some of the most popular South African bands that have won hearts worldwide.
- Mafikizolo
One of the key names among the most famous South African bands, Mafikizolo was formed in the year 1997 by Tebogo Benedict Madingoane, Theo Kgosinkwe, and Nhlanhla Nciza and became popular because of its kwaito style of music. However, in 2004, the band was struck with tragedy when Tebogo Madingoane was killed in a road rage shooting. Some of the hit singles by the band include ‘Ndihamba Nawe kuphela’, ‘Kwela Kwela’, ‘Khona’, ‘Mafikizolo: Love Potion’, ‘Sibongile’, and ‘Udakwa Njalo’.
- Die Antwoord
One of the most recognized bands in the country, Die Antwoord became extremely popular among lovers of hip-hop after its formation in 2008 in Cape Town by the duo Watkin Tudor “Ninja” Jones and Anri “Yolandi Visser” du Toit. Other members include HITEK5000 and Lil2Hood. Centered around the South African counterculture movement known as ‘zef’, their first album ‘$O$’ (2009) was a huge success, especially the single ‘Enter the Ninja’ which helped them get their deal with Interscope Records. Their popular albums include ‘Ten$ion’, ‘Donker Mag’, and ‘House of Zef’, among others.
- Freshly Ground
Undeniable is one of the biggest South African bands who rose to worldwide fame with their music, and was also featured in the 2010 Fifa World Cup theme song ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ by Shakira. The band formed in 2002 included a diverse range of music artists from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Some of their most popular songs include those like ‘Doo Be Doo’ ( which became the most-played South African song of 2005), ‘Nomvula (After the Rain)’, Father Please, and Manyana.
- Four Jacks and a Jill
The band came into existence in 1964 and the original members included Clive Harding, Glenys Lynne Mynott/Harding, Keith Andrews, Tony Hughes/Rouse, and Bruce Bark, and their debut song was released in November 1965. They rose to fame with the single ‘Master Jack’. After going through a series of member changes, the band was finally disbanded in 1983. It was revived in the year 2000 and has many new members. Some of their most popular albums include ‘Jimmy Come Lately’, ‘Master Jack’, and ‘Listen! Listen!’, among others.
- The Narrow
Formed in 2002 by South African musicians Emile, Sid, Nelius de Lange, and Jow Feldtmann, the band received widespread critical acclaim for their debut album ‘Self Conscious’. Since its formation, the band became known for its intense and energetic performances, and has released multiple rock albums, some of the most popular ones being ‘Dream of Perelandra’, ‘You Don’t Get to Quit’, and ‘Travellers’.
- Rabbitt
Rabbitt evolved in 1969 from a previous band known by the name The Conglomeration, and the members included Trevor Rabin, Neil Cloud, Duncan Faure, and Ronnie Robot. Their debut single, released in 1972, which was a cover of ‘Locomotive Breath’ became an instant hit. Soon the members went their separate ways but came together once again in 1974, working hard till they became global sensations in the world of pop rock with albums like ‘Boys Will Be Boys!’ and ‘Just A Blur’. The group finally disintegrated in 1978.
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Having created a new wave in the Isicathamiya and mbube music scene, the band was formed in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, and is one of the most popular bands internationally when it comes to South African music. Over the years the band had several member changes, but retained its relevance and excellence, taking home 5 Grammys, 4 SAMAs, and a Drama Desk Award amazon others. They have released 120 popular albums, including ‘Inala’, ‘Gift of the Tortoise’, ‘Liph’ Iqiniso’, ‘In Harmony’, ‘Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu’.
- aKING
Comparatively new in the set, the band was formed in 2007 in Cape Town by Hunter Kennedy and Jaco ‘Snakehead’ Venter, who were members of another rock band Fokofpolisiekar. The other members, Laudo Liebenberg, Andrew Davenport, and Hennie van Halen, joined later even though Hunter quit the band. The band has since released four albums and one LP: ‘Dutch Courage’, ‘In The Twilight’, ‘Against All Odds’, ‘The Red Blooded Years’ and ‘Morning After’.
- Mango Groove
Formed in Johannesburg in 1984 by John Leyden, Andy Craggs, Bertrand Mouton, and “Big Voice” Jack Lerole, the band has built a massive reputation when it comes to Afropop, marabi, and kwela music and comprises members of diverse ethnicities. As the group evolved, only Leyden remained among the originals, as several new members joined. The band has released several singles, and 6 studio albums to date: ‘Mango Goove’, ‘Hometalk’, ‘Mango Groove / Another Country’, ‘Eat a Mango’, ‘Bang the Drum’, and ‘Faces to the Sun’ (their latest).
African music is truly a treasure trove of musicians, be it the modern flavors or their traditional styles that have stood the test of time.
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