The Rise of Bantwanas: An Afro-electronic collective taking over the world
|Published
In the pulsing heart of South Africa’s electronic music scene, a collective called Bantwanas is reshaping how the world experiences Afro-electronic music.
With hypnotic beats, organic rhythms, and a production process as unique as their sound, Bantwanas – which fittingly means "Children of Africa" – is igniting dance floors and music festivals across the globe.
Their journey is best understood not just by listening to the music but by diving into the collective spirit that powers it.
Spearheaded by Blanka Mazimela, an innovative producer, Bantwanas are captivating audiences with their fresh blend of African house and electronic rhythms.
“Bantwanas was born out of a vision to blend Afro-house with electronic beats,” says Blanka Mazimela, the collective’s co-founder. “We wanted to create something that both celebrates African heritage and pushes the boundaries of electronic music.”
The group brings together talents like Sobantwana, Dona Diko, and Ayabonga Notakela – a diverse team of vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers. Their goal, is to show the world the power and depth of African music, redefined for a global audience.
The Birth of a New Sound
From its inception, Bantwanas was always meant to be a trailblazer. Its founders shared an uncompromising vision of authenticity and creativity, constantly exploring new ways to weave African rhythms into modern electronic music.
“Our philosophy is simple,” Blanka says. “We always agreed on using completely original sounds. If that means heading into the field to record the exact sound we need, we do it. We believe this authenticity is what makes our music stand out.”
This dedication to originality has defined their sound and made it unmistakably theirs.
“It’s never just about hitting the right notes,” Blanka explains. “It’s about making music that moves people, that resonates with both our culture and the world.”
Rising Through the Ranks
The collective’s journey from local gigs to international stages has been remarkable, with performances at Cercle Festival in Paris and Extrema Belgium catapulting them into the global spotlight.
“Performing at Cercle was surreal,” Blanka recalls. “It was a chance to show audiences around the world the beauty of African electronic music. Seeing their reaction reminded us why we do this.”
Their growing international fanbase has impacted their approach to music, urging them to continuously innovate while staying true to their roots.
“The response has been overwhelming,” says Blanka. “It’s given us a boost to keep refining our sound and to double down on the African influences that make us unique. Knowing there’s an international audience for what we do fuels our creativity.”
The Power of Collaboration
At its core, Bantwanas is a testament to the power of collaboration.
Each member’s contribution shapes their music, adding layers of depth and dynamism.
“Collaboration is everything for us,” Blanka says. “Each of us brings something different – whether it’s songwriting, production, or instrumental talent. The energy in the studio is electric because everyone’s input is valued. It’s this diversity that strengthens our sound and makes it unique.”
Bantwanas’ creative process is fluid and ever-evolving. They start with rhythms and melodies, building up layers with percussion, synths, and other elements that define the track’s atmosphere.
The themes for their music often draw from African culture, folklore, and personal experiences, creating a sound that feels both rooted and innovative.
“We don’t force ideas,” Blanka explains. “We’re always sketching things out in the studio. Sometimes the best ideas come from these spontaneous sessions, and the ones that rise to the top are the ones we focus on. It’s a never-ending flow, and that’s how we like it.”
The Art of Performance
For Bantwanas, music isn’t just about sound – it’s an experience. They’re known for their immersive live performances, where the audience feels like part of the show.
The collective is one of the acts for this year’s Corona Sunsets Festival World Tour, an event series promising a fusion of live music, wellness activities, and South Africa’s picturesque landscapes.
It’s the perfect stage for Bantwanas, who see their shows as a chance to connect deeply with audiences.
“We want our audience to lose themselves in the music, to feel the power of African beats and rhythms,” Blanka says. “There’s something magical about bringing people together through sound. Our goal is for everyone to leave with a sense of unity and inspiration.”
What’s Next for Bantwanas?
As Bantwanas continues to break new ground, they’re gearing up for even bigger projects and collaborations. “We’re working on new music and planning some exciting partnerships.
There’s also talk of expanding our international tour schedule,” Blanka reveals. “We’re constantly evolving, and that’s what keeps us going.”
Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing schedules and managing creative differences is tough for any group, let alone one spread across a country as vast as South Africa.
But these challenges have only strengthened Bantwanas, teaching them the value of communication, compromise, and resilience.
“Being part of Bantwanas has taught us that collaboration and flexibility are essential,” Blanka says. “It’s not just about individual talent; it’s about creating something bigger than ourselves.”
A Legacy for African Music
Bantwanas’ ambition goes beyond making hits or filling venues – they want to leave a lasting impact on the African music scene.
Blanka hopes the group will inspire future generations of African musicians to explore their heritage and embrace their unique sounds.
“We want to show the world that African music has the power to connect people across cultures,” Blanka reflects. “Music can bridge divides, and we’re here to be part of that change.”
As they look toward the future, Bantwanas is focused on pushing boundaries, celebrating their roots, and sharing the magic of African music with the world.
With each beat, they’re rewriting the rules of electronic music – and they’re just getting started.
Credits:
Style and dressed: No Modern Slave
Photographer: Aidan Tobias