Tidal Waves – A Taxijam

Tidal Waves is widely regarded as the hardest working reggae band in South Africa, playing gigs from Oppikoppi to Pretoria, Cape Town to Potchefstroom. Originally from Klerksdorp, a small dustbowl gold mining town about two hours South of Jozi, the band is now based in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

The band is made up of five very gifted musicians, the core of the group is held together by Jacob ‘Zakes’ Wulana on guitar, harmonica and vocals and Sam ‘Drumbo’ Shoai on drums and vocals. Shadrack “Charlie” Mathopa is on the bass and Abraham “Abrie” Mmakola plays the keys, while Jaco “Mr.” Mans wields the lead guitar.

Tidal Waves write and perform original reggae music with traditional African music influences like maskandi and mbaqanga. The sound is original roots reggae with strong rock, ska and blues influences. Like all good reggae, their lyrics are socially conscious and uplifting, rallying against the government for not respecting the Rainbow Nation and imploring their fans to stand up for integration and one love.

Other songs have deeply rooted anti war sentiments, while others lament the sad tales of urban South African poverty and the struggle to survive as musicians in the global capitalist economy.

We cruised down Sea Point main road while they played a skanking rendition of “Bing-Bong” – a war-cry that will surely hook you…… a political protest against the plague called war.

For more info check out – http://www.tidalwaves.co.za