Afro-rock band BLK JKS have always been the posters boys for cool.
The group, made up of guitarist Mpumi Mcata, drummer Tshepang Ramoba and bass guitarist Molefi Makananise, released their debut album, After Robots, in 2009, followed by an extended play titled Zol! in 2010.
Lead singer Linda Buthelezi left the group in 2012.
The SunTeam spoke to Mpumi before the band’s performance at the Afropunk music festival taking place at Constitution Hill, Joburg, on 30 and 31 December.
He said: “We have been doing a lot of things.
“I worked on a documentary called Black President, which premiered at the Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin in 2015.
“Tshepang has been producing for Moonchild and Molefi runs a market.”
Mpumi and Tshepang also double up as a DJing duo called Blk Jks Sound System.
He said the group had to pick up the pieces after Linda decided to leave the band.
“We were thrown off balance when he left.
“All of us made each other look good when we worked together.”
Mpumi said Blk Jks left their previous record label and are now focusing on the business side of the music industry.
He said the group is doing what is best for them so they can release music across the globe.
Mpumi said the band is a priority for all the members.
“The band is what gives us life. We are who we are because of it.”
He said they are open to trying new things and their love of experiment will be heard on the music they plan to release next year.
The band will perform with Thandiswa “King Tha” Mazwai at Afropunk.
Mpumi said they are excited about their upcoming performance.
“We have a few surprises planned for our set but I cannot give you any information about that at the moment.
“We are sharing the stage with Tha and it will be our set versus hers.”
The star studded line-up includes singers Solange, Laura Mvula, Anderson Paak and Nonku Phiri, alternative artist Spoek Mathambo, DJ duo Black Motion, DJ Lag, singer and guitarist Nakhane Toure and rock band TCIYF.
Tickets are available at: http://afropunkfest.com/johannesburg/tickets and the cost ranges from R600 to R3 500.
