Shameless Band

Shameless Band is a trio from Soweto who plays Rock slightly differently. With the influences of their everyday lives - they have dubbed their soun ‘iRock Yase Kasi’ (Rock from the hood) or ‘Nkabi Rock’ (Hitman Rock). It is a fire fueled by the music they grew up with: Phuzekhemisi, Stimela, Zola 7 and other South African musical leaders, but also heavier overseas bands like System Of A Down, Thin Lizzie, Deftones and Tool.

Coronavirus hasn’t kept them down either - they have just released their first EP (available on all good streaming platforms), and will be releasing the music video to their lead single ‘4 x 4’ this Friday, featuring the band and anyone else in Musa’s neighborhood who wanted to join in. They end up giving a show to the neighborhood kids, letting them take over the stage, cruising around Soweto, hanging out of an old 4 x 4, and buying some beer at their local shebeen, before returning to parade down Musa’s street: a good time had by all.

The Band formed itself on a rainy November in 2017. The Members, Thabang Khonje, Musa Zwane and Thabo Masina met on stage at a local jam session and decided to try a more extended creative session next week. From that session, finding that the connection was still real, they decided it would be natural to focus on a heavier African sound for Africa(ns) - but also as potential ambassadors to overseas audiences - and possible grassroots crossover appeal within South Africa as well.

They describe their sound as ‘an extension of Rock’, a fusion of Metal, Blues, Kwaito, Mbaqanga, Punk, isiGxaxa, a bit of Jazz, a bit of Psychedelic. Etc etc. You actually never know with these guys.

Fast forward to 2#22 and the band has some stories to tell. They have been steadily building a following, playing live at many iconic Soweto venues and institutions: Soweto Theatre, Sawubona Music Jam, Deep Soweto, culminating in them winning the Afropunk Battle of the Bands, leading to a performance at the ‘Main’ Afropunk NYE festival.