Benji Anstey

BIO

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.