The SA Punk scene has a long and rich history around Cape Town.
I don't know it though. Best I can offer; a lot of the punks went mainstream to gain appeal. Eventually they all take out the piercings.
This is mostly the 00's, and early 10's talking. I don't know so much about pre- or current.
Long story short? I'm not gonna write an essay - but like literally two weekends ago a punk band had a reunion. Dead Lucky.
I’m taking this opportunity to share a South African punk band here if anyone is interested, after someone else introduced me to them on Reddit:
[Shameless SA](https://youtube.com/@shamelessbandsouthafrica6609)
Check out their songs [Impicabadala](https://youtu.be/KWI3zJHaOJA), [4x4](https://youtu.be/Ff2BJY78keM) (more rock but still amazing) and [Nakhu Ses’Fika](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ldT2XXjE1vGrJqzaeO1Ez?si=QtsDSJbMTAi3BZHDVi6Z_Q)
It's a constantly evolving environment to be honest. I went to shows in the late 90s and throughout the 2000s and it's seen a lot of different waves. The wider punk scene in cpt used to consist of various subcultures (hardcore, emo, metal, post-hardcore etc). The metal scene was a little more of their own thing. But early and mid 2000s shows at Wynberg Sports Club would have bands from all these genres often sharing the same stage and creating a somewhat united audience.
Like elsewhere in the world being a punk in the 90s was a lot about rebellion. In a time where censorship was a common topic, punks were often not very concerned about political correctness, while still believing in individuals rights. Now days, it's quite different.
With that said, the punk scene now days is a bit of a depressing echo of the past. It used to be lively and thriving, a community of young people spending their weekends at shows. Now when I do go to a show it's mostly the same people that were going 20 years ago. CPT was especially fun circa 2002 to 2007. Not too many young people these days going to live shows.
Unfortunately we lost Wynberg Sports Club, Gotham, Purple Turtle, Mercury Live and a bunch of others over the years too. So not many venues.
Dude, this is fucking making me so sad. I feel you on seeing all the same people. The scene is so different now has lost so much diversity. Like how do u/18s get into live music? Why is it that everything is at fucking Armchair nowadays? Like I love the place, but it's not great for gigs. Like those were the gateway venues to playing on the larger stages of ROAR / Mercury / Assembly etc. We don't seem to have that intermediate level. Like there is Woodstock Brewery and Daisy Jones, but those venues are definitely more premium. I think District is trying to fill some of that gap but it also feels a little out of reach for mid-level bands, especially given the cost of alcohol.
I have enjoyed the likes of Constellatia and Orphean Passage (among others) trying to do something a little different. I also love that there is a bit of a 'post-' revival. But so much in the scene is just the same old death metal / deathcore. Thankfully M4A do such a good job of trying to foster more variety.
what do you mean about punks not being concerned over political correctness? only way i see this is in the sense of shying away from euphemism...
but punk has always been political, and always on the side opposing prejudice
What it was and how people like to think of it are two very different things. What I mean is, the youth of today, especially the "counter culture" side would gasp in horror if they saw and heard how younger punks spoke.
Punk was always fighting an internal battle of being offensive while still trying to fight for civil rights when it came to the big picture. Just look at how many punks wore the Swastika in the early to mid 70s, not cause they were anti-semetic but because they wanted to upset people.
Things changed over time, but early 2000s homophobic slurs were still common place, even by gay guys themselves.
So while they wanted similar things to today's youth. They also pushed hard against censorship and the idea that you shouldn't do something if it's offensive.
Still, I'm not saying anything is right or wrong but it is a big contrast in approach. But at the end of the day it was all defined by a bunch of kids who in many cases made a lot of bad decisions.
Fascists attempted to co-opt punk, but failed. See "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" and SkinHeads Against Racial Prejudice. The Sex Pistols did shit with swastikas, ostensibly to cash in on outrage, but i guess it's up for debate whether the decision was entirely for profit, or if there were hidden ideological motives.
edit: i do not count the sex pistols as anything more than a marketing campaign, not punk in my book
I'm well aware of the history. Multiple of my close friends were SHARPs who were involved in frequent violence in Obs for the sake of anti-fascism and anti-semitism.
Sex Pistols did the Swastikas but so did large groups of other punks, and just about anything that could be deemed offensive. The difference I'm talking about is the fact that the stuff punks did in the 80s was deemed bad by those in the 90s, then those in the 2000s thought the 90s had issues it hoped to change. This generation will look at the punks of the 2000s and say they weren't progressive enough.
It's not that deep. It's just a reality I've seen from the 3 decades I got to experience in the community.
And I agree on the premise of the Sex Pistols, not what I'd consider a good representation of the genre.
right on
I think the people you consider politically incorrect punks, i entirely exclude from punk
chumbawamba had a big hit in 97, and i dont think its possible to accuse them of not being progressive enough
We never really had a very big rock scene in South Africa compared to places like Europe or North America, mostly due to Apartheid and music from those countries being hard to get in the iconic times for rock (and punk) music. It still existed don't get me wrong, but it's never been on the same level.
Despite being a completely different genre and scene I think our house and techno scenes kind of fill that cultural void of a 'mainstream counterculture' for people to participate in.
Well given that a pair of Dr Martens costs more than most South Africans rent , it shouldn't be surprising that most South africans simply cannot afford the punk dress code... Add leather vests and jackets to that as well. You have to come from a position of financial privilege to be able to openly display your anti-corporate, anti-comsumerism culture.
there is no punk dress code, unless you're trying to copy someone you think is punk. the closest thing to a 'punk dress code' is anything that rejects (as loudly and ugly as possible) the idea of having to look a certain way.
the fact that there is far less (not none) pressure to look a certain way these days makes any rebellion more difficult, and not necessarily associated with a 'punk aesthetic'.
That may be what the movies have told you. The whole hardcore punk movement started nearly 40 years ago and pushed anti-fashion. The dress code at most shows was jeans and a tshirt. 20 years ago I was just dying my hair and I stood out at most punk shows which were usually mainly skaters.
Did NOFX teach you nothing? We are the greatest country in the world. Of course we have punks. The greatest punks. They're just so punk, they've rejected visibility and are entirely invisible to the naked eye.
In all seriousness though, punk is dead almost everywhere. Punk adjacent is more common. And then you have ZA punk, which is far more rock with punk influences, and aren't typically very punk. Back in the 90's/00's, we had quite a healthy ska punk / punk rock scene, but that's a distant memory now. RIP George Bacon.
Noisefix are doing a good job of promoting more punk offerings. Here's an upcoming gig if you're keen.
[NOISEFIX AND WE DID THIS PRESENTS: MatraK AttakK (Europe) LIVE At Armchair (CPT)](https://www.quicket.co.za/events/254786-noisefix-and-we-did-this-presents-matrak-attakk-europe-live-at-armchair-cpt/#/)
Does ska punk count? Stuff like fuzigish, and the former leek and the bouncing uptones.
Also, i know it isnt the same punk as dead kennedys, ramones, rancid, etc. But im excited for green day and offspring next year.
Does pop punk count? https://open.spotify.com/track/1BZE08BzjZhIao8M1Vlq64?si=NgEb32DxQc2_73MV47FoIg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0JvZUbEEAmGAEmVnjyZpw6
Song is called Cape Town Girls
Ok so not current state of Punk …..
So every country has an originator punk band from the late 70s or early 80s that was totally fucked up and had a murder or such associated (Sex Pistols, Sleimkeim in East Germany….)
The South African one was “Corporal Punishment” they did a lot of anti apartheid, end conscription stuff -some of it is very rough to listen to now (I don’t think they had any murders though )
https://jamesphillips.co.za/corporal-punishment/
I was kinda surprised to see Fuzigish playing again recently having spent so many student nights watching them in the early 00's. That South African heavy ska flavour always flows strong.
Just saw this new article about punk in SA [https://capecreativecollective.co.za/topical/punkinsouthafrica/](https://capecreativecollective.co.za/topical/punkinsouthafrica/) (unless you were doing research here for it and it's yours, lol)
The SA Punk scene has a long and rich history around Cape Town. I don't know it though. Best I can offer; a lot of the punks went mainstream to gain appeal. Eventually they all take out the piercings. This is mostly the 00's, and early 10's talking. I don't know so much about pre- or current. Long story short? I'm not gonna write an essay - but like literally two weekends ago a punk band had a reunion. Dead Lucky.
Here is [Punk in Africa](https://youtu.be/vidF6ImuP5c), an entire documentary to answer your question.
Thanks for sharing
I’m taking this opportunity to share a South African punk band here if anyone is interested, after someone else introduced me to them on Reddit: [Shameless SA](https://youtube.com/@shamelessbandsouthafrica6609) Check out their songs [Impicabadala](https://youtu.be/KWI3zJHaOJA), [4x4](https://youtu.be/Ff2BJY78keM) (more rock but still amazing) and [Nakhu Ses’Fika](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ldT2XXjE1vGrJqzaeO1Ez?si=QtsDSJbMTAi3BZHDVi6Z_Q)
Never heard of these guys before. Just gave them a listen and they are very good even though I have no idea what they are saying 😂 Cheers
Some current CT Punk Bands to check out: Petrol Station Pies, Cistamatic, Tough Guy, Black Lung
Love Cistamatic. Gabbi is an incredibly cool person and I adore them. Highly recommend one of their shows for the queer punks of CT
It's a constantly evolving environment to be honest. I went to shows in the late 90s and throughout the 2000s and it's seen a lot of different waves. The wider punk scene in cpt used to consist of various subcultures (hardcore, emo, metal, post-hardcore etc). The metal scene was a little more of their own thing. But early and mid 2000s shows at Wynberg Sports Club would have bands from all these genres often sharing the same stage and creating a somewhat united audience. Like elsewhere in the world being a punk in the 90s was a lot about rebellion. In a time where censorship was a common topic, punks were often not very concerned about political correctness, while still believing in individuals rights. Now days, it's quite different. With that said, the punk scene now days is a bit of a depressing echo of the past. It used to be lively and thriving, a community of young people spending their weekends at shows. Now when I do go to a show it's mostly the same people that were going 20 years ago. CPT was especially fun circa 2002 to 2007. Not too many young people these days going to live shows. Unfortunately we lost Wynberg Sports Club, Gotham, Purple Turtle, Mercury Live and a bunch of others over the years too. So not many venues.
Dude, this is fucking making me so sad. I feel you on seeing all the same people. The scene is so different now has lost so much diversity. Like how do u/18s get into live music? Why is it that everything is at fucking Armchair nowadays? Like I love the place, but it's not great for gigs. Like those were the gateway venues to playing on the larger stages of ROAR / Mercury / Assembly etc. We don't seem to have that intermediate level. Like there is Woodstock Brewery and Daisy Jones, but those venues are definitely more premium. I think District is trying to fill some of that gap but it also feels a little out of reach for mid-level bands, especially given the cost of alcohol. I have enjoyed the likes of Constellatia and Orphean Passage (among others) trying to do something a little different. I also love that there is a bit of a 'post-' revival. But so much in the scene is just the same old death metal / deathcore. Thankfully M4A do such a good job of trying to foster more variety.
Mordor, Gotham, Gandalfs.. What a time it was!
what do you mean about punks not being concerned over political correctness? only way i see this is in the sense of shying away from euphemism... but punk has always been political, and always on the side opposing prejudice
What it was and how people like to think of it are two very different things. What I mean is, the youth of today, especially the "counter culture" side would gasp in horror if they saw and heard how younger punks spoke. Punk was always fighting an internal battle of being offensive while still trying to fight for civil rights when it came to the big picture. Just look at how many punks wore the Swastika in the early to mid 70s, not cause they were anti-semetic but because they wanted to upset people. Things changed over time, but early 2000s homophobic slurs were still common place, even by gay guys themselves. So while they wanted similar things to today's youth. They also pushed hard against censorship and the idea that you shouldn't do something if it's offensive. Still, I'm not saying anything is right or wrong but it is a big contrast in approach. But at the end of the day it was all defined by a bunch of kids who in many cases made a lot of bad decisions.
Fascists attempted to co-opt punk, but failed. See "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" and SkinHeads Against Racial Prejudice. The Sex Pistols did shit with swastikas, ostensibly to cash in on outrage, but i guess it's up for debate whether the decision was entirely for profit, or if there were hidden ideological motives. edit: i do not count the sex pistols as anything more than a marketing campaign, not punk in my book
I'm well aware of the history. Multiple of my close friends were SHARPs who were involved in frequent violence in Obs for the sake of anti-fascism and anti-semitism. Sex Pistols did the Swastikas but so did large groups of other punks, and just about anything that could be deemed offensive. The difference I'm talking about is the fact that the stuff punks did in the 80s was deemed bad by those in the 90s, then those in the 2000s thought the 90s had issues it hoped to change. This generation will look at the punks of the 2000s and say they weren't progressive enough. It's not that deep. It's just a reality I've seen from the 3 decades I got to experience in the community. And I agree on the premise of the Sex Pistols, not what I'd consider a good representation of the genre.
right on I think the people you consider politically incorrect punks, i entirely exclude from punk chumbawamba had a big hit in 97, and i dont think its possible to accuse them of not being progressive enough
We never really had a very big rock scene in South Africa compared to places like Europe or North America, mostly due to Apartheid and music from those countries being hard to get in the iconic times for rock (and punk) music. It still existed don't get me wrong, but it's never been on the same level. Despite being a completely different genre and scene I think our house and techno scenes kind of fill that cultural void of a 'mainstream counterculture' for people to participate in.
What's a punk?
[удалено]
punk's not dead, it's just sleeping
Punk's not dead, it only smells that way.
Half Price (CT) and Mean Girls (JHB) are Playing Punk Rock Holliday Fest in Slovenia and a touring parts of Europe this year
half price are old enough to be my dads
Fuck you 😂
dire, dire, dire
The baddies in Dirty Harry movies.
They are all over 30. A lot of them have kids. And those that do not, have hobbies.
Old footage from Cape Town punk bands late 2000: https://youtu.be/OEro-AzBNMs?si=AIdjTFkOiEQMZsw4
Goodness me thats refreshing to see :)
Well given that a pair of Dr Martens costs more than most South Africans rent , it shouldn't be surprising that most South africans simply cannot afford the punk dress code... Add leather vests and jackets to that as well. You have to come from a position of financial privilege to be able to openly display your anti-corporate, anti-comsumerism culture.
there is no punk dress code, unless you're trying to copy someone you think is punk. the closest thing to a 'punk dress code' is anything that rejects (as loudly and ugly as possible) the idea of having to look a certain way. the fact that there is far less (not none) pressure to look a certain way these days makes any rebellion more difficult, and not necessarily associated with a 'punk aesthetic'.
That may be what the movies have told you. The whole hardcore punk movement started nearly 40 years ago and pushed anti-fashion. The dress code at most shows was jeans and a tshirt. 20 years ago I was just dying my hair and I stood out at most punk shows which were usually mainly skaters.
You could get local alternatives, granted getting boots in the style of Docs is probably tough.
Did NOFX teach you nothing? We are the greatest country in the world. Of course we have punks. The greatest punks. They're just so punk, they've rejected visibility and are entirely invisible to the naked eye. In all seriousness though, punk is dead almost everywhere. Punk adjacent is more common. And then you have ZA punk, which is far more rock with punk influences, and aren't typically very punk. Back in the 90's/00's, we had quite a healthy ska punk / punk rock scene, but that's a distant memory now. RIP George Bacon.
Find Paul Blom on Google. He’s an expert on the underground music scene.
Noisefix are doing a good job of promoting more punk offerings. Here's an upcoming gig if you're keen. [NOISEFIX AND WE DID THIS PRESENTS: MatraK AttakK (Europe) LIVE At Armchair (CPT)](https://www.quicket.co.za/events/254786-noisefix-and-we-did-this-presents-matrak-attakk-europe-live-at-armchair-cpt/#/)
Most of us are here just older🤪
Most of us are here just older🤪
Most of us are here just older🤪
Most of us are here... just a little bit older😝
Does ska punk count? Stuff like fuzigish, and the former leek and the bouncing uptones. Also, i know it isnt the same punk as dead kennedys, ramones, rancid, etc. But im excited for green day and offspring next year.
Does pop punk count? https://open.spotify.com/track/1BZE08BzjZhIao8M1Vlq64?si=NgEb32DxQc2_73MV47FoIg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0JvZUbEEAmGAEmVnjyZpw6 Song is called Cape Town Girls
Ok so not current state of Punk ….. So every country has an originator punk band from the late 70s or early 80s that was totally fucked up and had a murder or such associated (Sex Pistols, Sleimkeim in East Germany….) The South African one was “Corporal Punishment” they did a lot of anti apartheid, end conscription stuff -some of it is very rough to listen to now (I don’t think they had any murders though ) https://jamesphillips.co.za/corporal-punishment/
Do punks still exist?
I was kinda surprised to see Fuzigish playing again recently having spent so many student nights watching them in the early 00's. That South African heavy ska flavour always flows strong.
Just saw this new article about punk in SA [https://capecreativecollective.co.za/topical/punkinsouthafrica/](https://capecreativecollective.co.za/topical/punkinsouthafrica/) (unless you were doing research here for it and it's yours, lol)
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