BLK JKS launch new fest in SA

The organisers say the event will celebrate the impact and influence of blackness on the alternative music scene and culture. It seeks to establish itself as a beacon of diversity and inclusion across several music genres.

The inaugural festival will feature Msaki, Sio, The Shameless Band, Mx Blouse, Morena Leraba and Ruff Majik. BLK JKS will also curate a special performance featuring surprise guests and friends who will join the band onstage to close the festival.

“As a band we’ve toured extensively abroad and during that time we realised the void that exists in celebrating artists like ourselves, who are not afraid to go against the grain,” BLK JKS drummer Tshepang Ramoba said.

Leading up to the main event, the organisers will host a series of showcases in Soweto, Pretoria and Johannesburg on 20, 22 and 23 September, respectively.

“Our vision has always been to create a connection with our audience through unique musical experiences, so to have a brand like Devil’s Peak Beer support us means we’re able to provide an unforgettable show for anyone who’s been missing live performances in SA,” Ramoba added.

Founded in 2000, BLK JKS have toured the US and Europe, gaining widespread acclaim. Some of their projects include Abantu/Before Humans, After Robots and Zol! They have collaborated with a number of artists including The Brother Moves On, Vieux Farka Touré, Thandiswa Mazwai and Hugh Msekela. Foo Fighter Dave Grohl called After Robots his favourite album of 2009.

Tickets for the BLK RCK Festival are available here.