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I may not be versed in every language and dialect in Africa… but I know bad-ass rock music when I hear it . So, here’s a list of five hard rock bands performing on the continent in a range of different languages. Prepare to be blown away, I kid you not.

 

5.
ParkingLotGrass

Country of Origin: Kenya

Active Since: 2010
Language: English/Swahili
Members: Victor Chweya (guitar), Alistair Gould (guitar/bass), Duncan Muriira (lead vocals), Amos Kiptoon (bass/guitar), Nick Wathi (drums)
Style: happy hardcore
Fav Song: Rain Man

parkinglotgrass.com

ParkingLotGrass’s soothing vocals against a back-drop of heavy, electric guitar riffs and incessant snare drums work ever so smoothly. Pay attention to the lyrics: this five-piece band want to influence positive change through their music. (Photography on header by Martin Sasia).

4.
Crackdust

Country of Origin: Botswana

Active Since: 2006
Language: English
Members: Roth (growls, guitars), S’Bond (bass), Lee, Dlax (drums)
Style: death metal, thrash
Fav Song: Fate

Crackdust Facebook page

With song titles such as Breeding the Undead and Desecrate, Crackdust mean business. But don’t be too quick to judge, they’re no amateurs: this foursome can really rock.

3.
Dark Suburb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkAyJDwwz0

Country of Origin: Ghana

Active Since: 2014
Language: English/Pidgin English
Members: N/A (two guitars, bass, keyboard and drums)
Style: alternative rock
Fav Song: Best Friend

darksuburb.com

Dark Suburb are more than a band: they’re a concept. You don’t have to buy into it – but it helps. Causing some controversy in Ghana with their anonymous disguises and style of music, DS are a mysterious band using the concept of darkness to bring light to areas undiscovered.

2.
The Brother Moves On

Country of Origin: South Africa

Active Since: 2009
Language: English/Zulu/Sotho/Guttural
Members: Siyabonga Mthembu, Zelizwe Mthembu, Raytheon Moorvan, Ayanda Zalekile, Simphiwe Tshabalala, Nkululeko Mthembu (late), Mbalikhayise Mthethwa
Style: Performance art
Fav Song: Wenu Wetla

thebrothermoveson.com

The Brother Moves On – as much an art movement as a band – wield traditional instruments to captivate audiences across South Africa. Their androgynous lead vocalist encompasses the ethos of the South African collective: free spirited, expressive and full of love, TBMO aren’t afraid to ask the big questions about the state of our society.

1.
Vale of Amonition

Country of Origin: Uganda

Active Since: 2009
Language: English
Members: Vickonomy (guitars/vocals), Solomon Dust (rhythm guitar/bass), Walter Warblood (drums)
Style: progressive rock, avant-garde
Fav Song: Black Cathedral (The Tower Of Doom)

Vale of Amonition Facebook page

I have to admit, I struggled to nail what sub-genre best describes Vale of Amonition. I went through 10 options until I settled on the above: every track I’ve listened to by VOA has at least an element of progressive rock and surprise (avant-garde). A bit of an acquired taster, either way Vale of Amonition rock hard.