Despite the lack of coverage they tend to receive compared to more commercial styles of music on the continent, African bands are making the right noises. From metal and metalcore to punk and punky death metal, while some of Africa’s most talented music-makers aren’t going to be as big as the likes of Slipknot, they’ve bucked the trend enough to deserve our support.
Many bands that are coming out of Africa have stimulated debate in certain regions thanks to a number of powerful statements, while others are using their particular style of music to explore the complex social and political issues that are on show in Africa.
African culture is thriving in general, though, with people sampling cuisine from countries like Morocco, there are games like the African-themed 9 Masks of Fire being explored by casino gamers everywhere, and African-themed cinema is booming, with releases like Neptune Frost and Father’s Day gaining global recognition. Now, the African metal scene deserves some attention. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the African bands that are showcasing their talent to the world.
Deadline – South Africa
Based in Pretoria, Deadline are one of the most talented heavy metal bands in South Africa. Known for putting on memorable live shows and having amassed a big following over the years, the South African group offer soaring vocals and a welcoming vibe that will take you on a rocking adventure. Deadline have been known to tour outside of South Africa, too. If they’re playing at a venue near you in the future, be sure to show them some love.
Last Year’s Tragedy – Kenya
Despite being around for well over a decade now, it’s only in recent times that Last Year’s Tragedy have begun to gain the recognition they deserve. A band from Kenya, Last Year’s Tragedy has a solid following in Nairobi in particular, headlining big shows and pulling in large crowds who nod and mosh along to the band’s collection of killer tracks. If you’re keen to add a new band to your Spotify playlist, then Last Year’s Tragedy deserve a listen.
Seth – Madagascar
Despite keeping a relatively low profile outside of Madagascar, Seth are hugely popular in their home nation. A metalcore quintet that certainly knows how to put on a performance and smash any event they headline, Seth’s energy and powerful vocals separate them out from many other similar bands. A group to keep an eye on, Seth’s talent is evident.
Skinflint – Botswana
Some lucky Western audiences might be familiar with Skinflint already, but not enough people are yet. A gifted trio that hail from Botswana’s capital city of Gaborone, Skinflint offer metal that has clearly been inspired by some of the greatest British metal bands from the past. The style of music aside, the band’s lyrics offer a deep dive into the issues surrounding their home nation, as well as other lyrical themes that provide a powerful listen on the whole.
Arka’n Asrafokor – Togo
Togolese talent, Arka’n Asrafokor, are an African metal band with a story to tell. Focussing on post-colonial life in particular, there are a number of powerful creations that have helped stimulate debate and led to a number of fans, particularly in the Western world, to assess the impact their actions and their people can have on the poorer continent of Africa. Away from the band’s thought provoking messaging is a set of talented musicians who clearly escape the trials and tribulations of life with the magic of music.
Check out Chaos Doctrine (South Africa) and Vale of Amonition (Uganda), too.