This South African Band Is Poised To Change The Game: Read Why

Shameless, a three-piece band hailing from Soweto, South Africa, made waves with the release of their inaugural album, 'Nkabi Rock,' a little over a week ago. Here’s everything you need to know about why this release could be a game changer.

The Birth Of A New Genre

Shameless's latest album is far from your conventional rock offering. They seamlessly merge the raw, unbridled energy of rock with the lively rhythms of the township, birthing a distinct genre they've dubbed ‘Nkabi Rock’. In isiZulu, 'Inkabi' refers to a hitman or a person hired to carry out killings, hence the 'Assassin Rock' translation by the band.

The Band’s Influences

Shameless's music mirrors the diverse musical landscape of South Africa, blending influences from metal, blues, kwaito, mbaqanga, isigxaxa, and a hint of jazz. This eclectic mix has resulted in a sound that is not only potent but also enthralling.

Zwane explains, ‘Our music is an extension of rock. It's a fusion of our diverse influences, reflecting the soul of the township.’

The Band Members

Comprised of Musa Zwane, Thabang Khonje, and Thabo Masina, the band stands at the vanguard of a burgeoning wave of rock and alternative groups emerging from Soweto.

The Standout Track

One of the standout tracks on ‘Nkabi Rock’ is ‘Mission Impossible,’ a collaboration with the Portuguese heavy metal band Scúru Fitchádu. This impactful anthem addresses the pressing issue of nyaope addiction in Soweto, shedding light on a drug problem that has contributed to rising crime rates.

uNtshosho expresses, ‘The song is very deep and from the heart. It shows how angry and tired we are of addicts who steal from people.’

The Recording Process

Capturing the raw intensity of Shameless's electrifying performances, ‘Nkabi Rock’ was recorded live, showcasing the band's dynamic energy.

Zwane reflects, ‘We wanted to emerge with something powerful in our hands. The album is a testament to our resilience and passion for our craft.’

The Ultimate Goal

Shameless is driven by more than just creating music. With ‘Nkabi Rock,’ they aspire to redefine rock music and amplify the voice of the township. They are preparing to reach a global audience and are eager to connect with music enthusiasts worldwide.

Khonje says, We're pretty much at the peak of our career so far. We've somewhat smashed our short-term goal, which was to tour around the country, but now we want to cross over and engage with new international audiences, and be relevant to the world's greatest hitmakers in the space we are in.’

Conclusion

Shameless transcends the typical band label; they're a movement. Their album 'Nkabi Rock' offers a unique musical journey, inviting listeners to join them. If you're ready to be a part of this movement, dive into their debut album and stay connected with them on their social media platforms.