As Zimbabwe gears up to celebrate its Independence Day on April 18th, the stage is set for a cultural explosion at Moto Republik, where Bantu Spaceships will take center stage. This dynamic group represents a new wave of artists, drawing inspiration from the creative renaissance that swept through Zimbabwe in the 1980s. It was a time when local artists began infusing traditional styles with contemporary Western influences, sparking alternative and experimental movements that reshaped the country’s artistic landscape.
At the heart of Bantu Spaceships’ sound is a fusion they call “New Jit Wave,” a hybrid style that pays homage to the golden age of Zimbabwean rhythms while infusing them with elements of synth-wave, hip-hop, and disco. Their debut album, released by Nyami Nyami Records, serves as a vibrant tribute to these past rhythms, breathing new life into them for a modern audience.
With standout singles like “Bantu Cakes” and “Don’t Break,” Bantu Spaceships quickly garnered attention for their innovative sound. Their collaboration with Kid Fonque on the title track and remix, “Journey to Misava,” only further solidifies their status as musical trailblazers, igniting dancefloors everywhere.
The magic of Bantu Spaceships extends beyond their music, as they seamlessly blend Ulenni Okandlovu’s poetic Ndebele songs with Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza’s electronic productions. Together, they emit an aura of Afrofuturism, inviting listeners on a transcendent journey through time and space.
Joined onstage by the talented young guitarist The Serpant and the soulful singer/guitarist Thando Mlanbo, Bantu Spaceships promise an unforgettable live experience. Their creative energy and artistic abundance mirror the vibrant spirit of Zimbabwe’s music revival, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry and its boundless potential for the future.
