Tidal Waves (who have been around since 1999) are widely regarded as the hardest working reggae band in South Africa, playing gigs from Oppikoppi to Pretoria, Cape Town to Potchefstroom and beyond.
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. They are renowned for performing music in English, Afrikaans, Setswana and Tshivhenda.
This culturally rich reality continues to shape the group’s distinctive take on reggae, an approach steeped in South African sensibilities and sounds. Tidal Waves take cues from the music popular in townships mid-century. They turn the Zulu-inspired mbaqanga, with the sparkling guitar licks and rich harmonies made popular worldwide by artists like Miriam Makeba and Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, into catchy reggae tracks.
I have seen Tidal Waves live tons of times and I have to admit that watching their set is always a pleasure. The energy they have on stage beams into the crowd and it starts spreading positive vibes around. They always leave the crowd feeling proudly South African and happy.
Tidal Waves are one of the acts who will be performing at Capital Craft 2016 and if you’re going, you should definitely check out their set.
I recently had a chat with them about Capital Craft and a few other things. This is what they had to say.
Where did the name Tidal Waves originate from?
Roaring element from creation, Klerksdorp/NW/ZA.
What have you been up to lately?
Recording our new album and gigging. We’re looking forward to playing shows for the rest of the year and releasing the new album.
If B.E.E.R. was an abbrevation, what would it stand for?
Befokte Experience Ends Beserk!
If you could describe your love for beer in a song, what would the chorus be?
From yesterday, today and tomorrow, make me forget my sorrow, oh beer! My beer!
What can music lovers expect from your set at Capital Craft?
Happiness, healing and sweating to some good music.
I’d like to thank Tidal Waves for this interview and I wish them all of the best with their future musical endeavors.
If you want to get into a good mood, have a listen to their song, “Rapolotiki” below:
Tickets for Capital Craft 2016 cost R150 online (and includes a beer mug & a site map) and they are already selling like hotcakes, so head on over to their website to get yours NOW!
Watch this space for regular updates in the Music and Interviews categories on Running Wolf’s Rant.
