Afropunk Fusion: Check out Hawema, an emerging hybrid metal-rap band from Durban catching fire in the South African indie music scene
South Africa has a rich and diverse music scene that is home to many talented artists, each with their unique sound and style. Thanks to our diverse influences, hybrid music – infusing punk, rock, rap and traditional African music – are built into our collective DNA.
One such band catching fire is Hawema, a five-piece self-titled ‘Afropunk’ group that uses traditional African rhythms blended with contemporary rock to create a sound that is rebellious and raw in the best way possible. blunt caught up with guitarist Damian ‘Damo’ Roodt to find out a bit more about what inspires the band.
Words by bluntEd. Photos courtesy Hawema.
Hawema, which means ‘home’ in Shona, blends in Zulu culture and language with elements of rock ‘n roll, rhythm and poetry, combining energetic rhythmic changes with in-your-face lyrics and racing riffs, balanced against groovy dance sections and jazz chords. Inspired by the underground scenes of Durban, from whence they were spawned, the band members draw their energy from local skateboarding, surfing, hip hop and punk cultures.
Emerging from the COVID catastrophe and the chaos generated by massive storms and civil unrest in KZN a couple of years back, Hawema has honed a riveting live act and released their first four-track EP in February 2023. They also released a sick new rap-rock single and video ‘Road Rage’ recently. Gaining solid reviews, their debut offering is a tight, slick quadrant of tracks in the Rage Against The Machine school, give it a listen on Apple Music and decide for yourself.
“The band’s upcoming music was mostly conceived during the 2021 floods, rioting, and the general collapse of Durban. Four friends from very different walks of life found connection through their common love of music and the catharsis it brought them. We hope to share this feeling with the world.” – Damian Roodt, Hawema.
Consisting of four veterans of the Durban music community and following the hardcore DIY tradition of the Durban punk scene from previous decades, the band have played a bunch of shows around the country recently. Hawema has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting upcoming acts in South African indie music right now.
Their new video for the track ‘Wabaleka’ drops Friday May 12. For more info give Hawema a follow on Facebook or Instagram and if they are playing in your hood be sure to go check them out.
blunt: Who are the Hawema band members?
Damo: Our EP was recorded with our original lineup of Nkosi Mseleku on vocals, myself on guitar and backup vocals, Brandon Kayat on bass and backup vocals, and Cam Lofstrand on drums and backup vocals. Cam also produced the EP. We currently perform live though with an adjusted lineup, as some members have moved on. Our new lineup includes Nkosi Mseleku on vocals, Damien Roodt on guitar, Tyler Durban on bass, and Byron Thambu on drums.
How did the band come to be?
The band’s upcoming music was mostly conceived during the 2021 floods, rioting, and the general collapse of Durban. Four friends from very different walks of life found connection through their common love of music and the catharsis it brought them. We hope to share this feeling with the world.
How would you describe your creative process?
We love to approach music as a celebration of our different identities. We have all had different experiences of life in the same country. We love giving each other the space to express whatever it is we are feeling in the moment. We feel that through supporting each other, listening to each other, and letting each other shine, we are able to overcome a lot of the bullshit society has set up for us to deal with.
“We love giving each other the space to express whatever it is we are feeling in the moment. We feel that through supporting each other, listening to each other, and letting each other shine, we are able to overcome a lot of the bullshit society has set up for us to deal with.” – Damian Roodt.
What inspires your sound?
Eskom, political corruption, and the general social inequality associated with life in the modern world.
What are your ambitions for the band?
Hawema desires to rise above the challenges presented by their country’s history by showcasing untold stories of everyday people from the inner city through their art. We want to drive the necessary change, embody the true ideals of the new South Africa, and finally take their music and stories around the world through collaborations and live shows.
Aweh.
For more on Hawema, check out:
YouTube (Video for ‘Road Rage’):