Banned from the Land

BIO

BANNED FROM THE LAND
PROFILE
MANIFESTO
As a band, our point of departure is a belief in the necessity of free expression within urban environments. We are convinced that contemporary living conditions can restrict one's ability to genuinely express themselves. Through our music, we aim to counteract this limitation. We define our genre as urban folk, dedicated to narrating stories that inspire us toward a greener and more peaceful future. Our songs are crafted to capture the essence of urban life, blending traditional rhythms with modern sounds to create a soundscape that resonates with the heartbeats of the city. We invite listeners to embark on a journey with us, where the echoes of the past meet the possibilities of the future.

In our performances, we strive to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and inclusive, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own experiences and find common ground in the shared human condition. Our music is not just for listening; it is an invitation to participate, to feel, and to imagine a world where everyone can thrive. Through our art, we aim to break down barriers and build bridges, fostering connections that transcend the boundaries of language and culture.
ENSEMBLE
BANNED FROM THE LAND is a South African music duo made up of artists Amandla Akhona and Xhanti Nokwali, both hailing from the Eastern Cape. Their sound captures a modern interpretation of tradition, as they explore indigenous African instruments to define their musical identity.
Amandla Akhona is a Band Leader, Storyteller, Multi-instrumentalist, Vocalist and Songwriter who hails from kuCentane in the Eastern Cape. Amandla Akhona is inspired by indigenous sounds, culture and the resolve to own and work the land.
She founded the band which has captivated the hearts and minds of audiences by blending vocals, guitar, alto saxophone and a host of indigenous instruments: uHadi, uMrhubhe, isitolotolo to name a few, creating their signature and memorable sound.
They are inspired by the melodic structures, rhythmic patterns and harmonic textures of abaNtu, drawing very deeply from the Xhosa Nation in all its manifestations. Within that, even the untrained ear can clearly hear influences of classical, jazz and afro soul, resounding from the background nurturing these sounds back to their source.
The band also plays a significant role in training of the individual artists, and also collaborating with many creatives to explore the possibilities of reaching musical elements that inspire audiences.
The ensemble was established after a residency in the Karoo where the two artists were participants. This collaboration is a means to draw attention to and to dig deeper into ancestral technology and ways of being as an alternative and even a bridge in the times of modernity.
The ensemble has been seen on stages such as Awakening Social Sessions in the Northern Cape, Selective Live in Cape Town, the Learning Clan Festival held in Riveersonderend and in Soweto in Commemoration of the June 16 Uprising.

Recently the Duo was a recepient of the FEC Concerts SA Live Music Mobility Susidy 2025, enabling the band to do a nation wide tour covering Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.