When it comes to music, South Africa has some incredible music artists, bands and DJs. Some South African bands have gone on to create a name for themselves overseas. These local names have spread South African music beyond our borders, showing the world that South African bands are a force to be reckoned with.
No matter if you’re into indie, pop, punk rock or alternative, there’s a South African band to feed your appetite.
Rock Bands
At Rock and Co, we’re obsessed with rock and alternative music. Our team is constantly on the look for new South African rock bands to listen to. Rock isn’t just for English speakers. If you haven’t listened to Afrikaans rock, you simply must.
Internationally Known Rock Bands
Prime Circle are one of the best known South African rock groups. Not only do they have fans in South Africa, but they’ve had success overseas as well. Pretoria-born band Seether is an internationally known rock band. They started their music journey under the name Saron Gas. Civil Twilight hailing from Cape Town, are another South African band that has made a name for themselves internationally. Their debut single “Letters from the Sky” did extremely well in the US and featured in both tv shows and movies.
Alternative Rock Bands
The Narrow are an alternative rock band from Pretoria. They have headlined for South African festivals like Oppikoppi, Ramfest and Woodstock.
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Cape Town born indie rock band, The Dirty Skirts, have a unique sound that you’re sure to fall in love with.
Afrikaans Rock Bands
Van Coke Kartel is another South African rock band. But unlike the other bands already on this list, they’re an Afrikaans band. Since their start, they have become one of the most successful Afrikaans rock bands in the country.
Afrikaans goes alternative with Fokopolisiekar. The bands started in 2003 and have since achieved cult status in South Africa. Seeing them live is a treat since they put their all into their performances.
If you’re looking to listen to a group of SA rock legends, stream a song from the Springbok Nude Girls. Voted the best South African rock band, this Stellenbosch band is led by the well-known Arno Carstens.
Other Rock Bands
Another local favourite of ours is Crash Car Burn. We’ve been able to catch them live a few times over the years and they never disappoint. They’ve performed alongside bands like Korn, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte and Muse.
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We first heard Dirty Moonshine at Rumours lounge in Jozi and instantly fell in love. Their music is proper rock ‘n roll. This Jozi band has a unique style that will get your head banging and your feet stomping. Their Southern Rock style has us transfixed when we saw them live. If you have a chance to see them live, we recommend you jump at it.
Pop Punk Bands
Pop punk seems invincible. From Blink182 to Good Charlotte, this genre never seems to die. (There’s a reason we have a shoe called ‘Blink’.) No matter what happens, it just seems to keep coming back.
Made For Broadway are the South African pop punk band you’ve been searching for. This South African band has been around since 2008. They released their debut album in 2011.
Famous Bands From South Africa 🌏
Other Genres
South Africa boasts a diverse range of musical genres. Here are some bands that represent other popular styles:
- Africa Soul is a first for South Africa.
- AfroTropica is the professional performing steelband attached to the Steelband Project.
- Beat Route is a classic traditional jazz combo.
- Beyond Vocal is a sensational acapella outfit of 5 talented vocalists.
- Everywhere they go, Freshlyground is a sensation.
- Havana Gas is the perfect choice for your venue, party, event or wedding.
- Heels Over Head is a smoldering all-female soul-jazz band from Durban.
- Mango Groove are back with a vengeance!
- Are you looking for something special and exciting for your wedding, birthday party or corporate event? Ruby Tuesday delivers their music 100% live.
- Shim Sham is the perfect band for a celebration, be it a corporate, wedding or a private event.
While the Kongos first made their name in South Africa, they have since moved overseas and made their name internationally. They made their name with songs like “I’m Only Joking” and “Come With Me Now”.
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Rock and Co was inspired by rock bands and alternative culture.
Soweto has always been alive with music.
We could go on forever about South African bands. But then you’d be reading this post all year.
Cannot find who you are looking for?
Know of any other amazing South African Rock Bands?
