about the band
Photography by Neil Tandy IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHERS 079 077 4955
ARTIST PROFILE
The crowd is skanking in unison, bouncing up and down like an irie earthquake of rhythm. The maestro with the guitar stops blowing his harmonica and leans into the microphone and shouts: 'Original Music! For Original People!' The crowd screams back in togetherness. The maestro smiles and hits them with another song.
Tidal Waves are widely regarded as the hardest working reggae band in South Africa, playing gigs from Oppikoppi to Pretoria, Cape Town to Potchefstroom and beyond. The band is made up of five very gifted musicians, the core of the group being held together by Jacob 'Zakes' Wulana on guitar, vocals, harmonica and vuvuzela and Sam 'Drumbo' Shoai on vocals and drum kit. The rest of the band is made up of Shadrack "Charlie" Mathopa is on the bass guitar; Johannes "Charlie" Papasha on keyboards, while Jaco "Mr." Mans wields the lead guitar.
Singer, multi-instrumentalist, and group founder Jacob "Jakes" Wulana, along with fellow founder and drummer Sam "Drumbo" Shoai, hails from the western dustbowl mining town of Klerksdorp (the rest of the band came together in Yeoville, Johannesburg). Growing up in the township, Wulana and Shoai were surrounded by a range of languages, cultures, musics-Zulu, Xhosa, Setswana, Tshivenda, Afrikaans-as well as by the music of Bob Marley, Sly and Robbie, and Curtis Mayfield.
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. Each language has musical implications: "If I sing lyrics in Xhosa," explains Wulana, "I need to have a Xhosa melody and harmony. We grew up singing our traditional songs, with their humming and clapping, that were very different from what we sang at school."
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 midcentury. 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. "You can't be a South African and not play mbaqanga," says Wulana.
On stage or on their albums, Tidal Waves pour out snaking bass grooves, bouncing beats, soulful keys, and uplifting multilingual lyrics with an integrated finesse that feels effortless. It flows from where the band comes from: a diverse nation where speaking four languages daily is nothing special. The band doesn't reflect what the Rainbow Nation is all about; it embodies it.
Tidal Waves have even made the much maligned vuvuzela part of their reggae. "Most people know the plastic version now, thanks to the World Cup, but the vuvuzela was traditionally made from horn and would blow if something was very important. It has only two notes, low and high, depending on how you blow," Wulana notes. "Those two notes can go in any key and have a nice effect in dub sections, with the drum and bass."
The guiding force directing and uniting these many influences is the message, the band's outspoken cries for justice, fair dealing, and love. "The music that you write as a songwriter has to support the story you say and pull people in," Wulana reflects. "When we talk about all the wars and warmongering in a song like ‘Bing Bong,' we can't use a polite rhythm. It had to be aggressive and show it could handle the message." "Rapolitiki," an angry denouncement of politicians and corruption, leaps into a distorted punk-inspired mosh to match the gravelly vocals and urgent lyrics in the Setswana language.
The group also has its softer side and its gentler statements. "Afrika" uses lyrical piano and a slower beat to ask for a return to the traditions of liberty and moral uprightness once treasured across Africa. "We don't want to press people," says Wulana. "We're pleading in front of the nation and need to be respectful."
Their lyrics are socially conscious and uplifting, imploring their fans to stand up for integration and One Love. Other songs have deeply rooted anti war sentiments, while others lament the sad tales of urban South African poverty and the struggle to survive as musicians. The cultural and racial diversity represented in the band conveys the greater vision of South Africa as a Rainbow Nation where every person, no matter the race or cultural background, is considered equal. This serves to bridge any racial and cultural divide in a positive and uplifting manner and because of their versatility, their music appeals to South African's from all walks of life. In many ways, Tidal Waves is the creative embodiment and voice of South Africa's dream and are uniquely positioned within it's melting pot of cultures and people to offer a very genuine and down to earth insight on what life in the "new" South Africa is like.
In romantic R&B-style ballads ("4ling in Love") or good old reggae rockers ("Nuff is Enough"), Tidal Waves' intuitive blend of cultures and sounds, points to the new vibrancy of African reggae.
It's a scene gaining international clout and recognition: Tidal Waves have played shows across southern Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and as far abroad as The Seychelles, New Zealand, China, and Europe (the band has several successful tours of Europe under their belts, where they have performed at the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium and the Mano Mundo festival in the Netherlands, as well as a packed schedule of medium size venues across Belgium and Italy). They've backed Ziggy Marley at a Soweto concert and toured with the Easy Star All-Stars
Reggae, thanks to the inspiration African musicians have gained from Bob Marley's sound and attitude, has become a thoroughly African genre. Tidal Waves, with their relentless commitment to touring and their high-energy shows, have played a role opening minds to reggae's vibe and potential.
"At one point, reggae treated like foreign music in Africa, like something from a different culture," recounts Wulana. "Then we reggae musicians showed we had our own identity, our own sound that says we are the people from the south. People understood that reggae is really about the message at the end of the day."
Tidal Waves are widely respected in South African music circles as an honest, hard working band with an original sound and irie vibes. Because of this they have some of the most ardent, die-hard fans and supporters in the SA music industry.
QUICK FACTS
Tidal Waves featured in the local documentary South Africa Live - a Musical Affair (aired
on MTV Base in September ‘09 alongside artists such as Freshlyground, Simphiwe Dana and the Parlotones. The band has also been featured on BBC Radio twice.
2009 marked the 10-year anniversary of Tidal Waves - a decade 'heart reggae' and spellbinding performances! The band launched their latest album independently. The album is entitled 'Manifesto' and the band completed a successful nationwide album launch tour throughout December 2009.
In January 2010, Tidal Waves were featured at MIDEM in Cannes, France as part of exclusive artist collaboration entitled "South Africa at MIDEM 2010 - Celebrating Africa's Music" where Tidal Waves shared the stage with leading African artists such as Jozi, The Parlotones, Zulu Boy, Nothembi, Thandiswa, Lira and Kurt Darren.
The band was invited to perform at the International Africa Festival, taking place in Wuerzburg, Germany in May 2010 where they shared the stage with Kwani Experience,
The band was invited to perform at the Mandela Day Concert at the Shanghai Expo in China during July 2010, where they shared the stage with BLK JKS, Zulu Boy, Afro Tenors and Gloria Bosman.
In April 2010 Tidal Waves were selected as the official house band for the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMA's), where they shared the stage with a variety of South Africa heavy-weight artists.
In July 2010, Tidal Waves were approached by Ziggy Marley, after he witnessed them performing at the Free State Fever Fan Park in Bloemfontein. He invited them to perform as his official backing band at Elkah Stadium in Soweto as well as an exclusive VIP Charity event in Johannesburg. The performances were part of the AFRICA UNITE legacy left by the legendary Bob Marley, which Ziggy had undertaken to continue in South Africa to fulfill his father's dreams. Tidal Waves are greatly honored by this opportunity, as well as future possibilities that have consequently presented themselves as a result of this meeting. Ziggy Marley confessed the media during his stay that has "fallen in love with Tidal Waves" after hearing their sound.
In September 2010, Tidal Waves wrote, recorded and launched the official 2010 "Braai for Heritage" song entitled "Chisa Nyama" in collaboration with Zinkplaat which has been made available for free download and sharing in the spirit of South Africa's shared heritage.
In November 2010, Tidal Waves performed in Johannesburg with dub legends The Easy Star All Stars who brought you "Dub side of the Moon" and "Radiodread."
Tidal Waves have received interest and have since been confirmed for a showcase at the legendary SXSW Festival and Music Conference in Austin Texas, USA in March 2011. The showcase will be supported by a month long tour throughout Austin, Denton, El Paso, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Arizona and New Orleans - with other highlights including The Valley of the Vapours Festival in Hot Springs, Arizona and the Austin Reggae Festival.
Plans for another tour to Belgium and the Netherlands in June 2011 are already underway.
Sponsorship:
Tidal Waves are generously sponsored by CASIO and MUSIC BOYZ.
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Discography:
1999 - Hard Work (Jozi Vibes / BMG)
2002 - Harmonijah (Independent Release)
2005 - Muzik an da Method (Independent Release)
2007 - Afrika (Sheer Sound with Oppikoppi Productions)
2009 - Manifesto (Independent Release with Southern Pulse)
Websites:
www.tidalwaves.co.za
www.myspace.com/tidalwavestunes
www.southernpulse.co.za
Bookings and Management (National):
Jessica Schnehage - 021 785 6847 / 082 400 0640 /jessica [at] southernpulse [dot] co [dot] za
Bookings and Management (International):
Leon Retief - leon [at] southernpulse [dot] co [dot] za
TIDAL WAVES IN REVIEW
"The performance of "Tidal Waves" was one of the best performances I have seen in thirty one years of attending MIDEM..." Johnny Lappin, Iiffey Music
"The most striking thing about the new Tidal Waves album, Manifesto, is the sheer range of musical styles they manage to incorporate into their reggae groove. From kwela to boeremusiek to old 1950s style Jamaican ska via Sophiatown swing, mbaqanga, goema and rock - all fleshing out a reggae backbone. Manifesto is an original and distinctly African contemporary reggae soundtrack that is fast becoming my favourite release of 2009. They're steeped in South African music, creating relevant tunes, with a conscious message, and the most exciting and original sound around. Their roots are buried firmly in our culture. And their fruit is one of our sweetest."
Andy Davis, Mahala Magazine
"Tidal Waves' fifth album, Manifesto, is a powerhouse album from South Africa's finest reggae band - arguably their best yet. The stand-out track, Mo'Faya, is sure to be the soundtrack to many a 2010 World Cup memory. Tidal Waves are also big with the Afrikaans rock crowd, and new offerings from Manifesto, such as Vastrap and Alles Is Befok, are sure to join the ranks of Lekker Lekker Dans as the Oppikoppi crowd favourites. No surprise, really, that Tidal Waves have been strutting their stuff for a while -- 13 years to be precise. The hardest-working band in South Africa, some people call them." Lloyd Gedeye, Mail & Gaurdian
"Just as one has not lived the full gamut of South African music until you've heard, say, Natascha Roth perform Busi Mhlongo's Yisa Wabant'a Bami, so too, it is an Mzansi must to catch Tidal Waves playing Lekker Dans, their take on sakkie-sakkie, to a predominantly white Afrikaans audience at an Oppikoppi Festival main stage."
Evan Milton, Cape Argus
"This band should raise the South African reggae flag worldwide. They will surely follow in the late South African Reggae father Lucky Dube's footsteps with their uniquely African Reggae sound. Kwelagobe Sekele, Music Industry Online
Tidal Waves played a steaming and catching reggae set at the 2005 Pukkelpop festival in Belgium. It was amazing to see how they pulled a fully crowded tent at an alternative festival at the same time as Nick Cave was playing, and got all the people to dance. They really represented the good and bad sides of South Africa with their warm and sunny - but also political - music. Off stage we also greatly appreciated these 100% pure people."
Chokri Mahassine, Pukkelpop
‘I've seen Tidal Waves play in a lot of different places already. From a youth house to a casino, from a pub to the famous Pukkelpop festival and I must say, they impress every audience. Definitely one of the best live bands that I have had the pleasure to work with.'
Hans De Reydt, Blafhik Productions
"Though reggae, especially in South Africa, is seen by many as a somewhat limited genre with a loyal but relatively small following, Tidal Waves long ago transcended such stylistic limitations, appealing to all sorts with their clarion call of "original music for original people." And it's not just a catchy phrase but a philosophy they follow rigorously, garlanding their basic reggae vibes with a polyglot of influences, creating in the process a sound unlike that of any other reggae band on the planet." JHB Live
"Jo'burg based global travellers, Tidal Waves, are a different kind of reggae band. From drummer Sam's progressive, spiced up beats and guitarist Jaco's blitzy expressions, to front man Jacob's atmospheric keys and the band's collective RX Bandits moments, there's nothing "standard reggae" about Tidal Waves' sound.
Before tonight, I'd only ever seen them on big festival stages, and Tidal Waves made the transition to small stage at Chain & Sprocket in Durban perfectly - intensity and stage presence intact. Tidal Waves were incredible, and the crazy thing is, it was a show wrought with technical difficulties that the audience will never know about."
Yusuf Laher, Speakerbox
"Tidal Waves are possibly South Africa's most fearless reggae band. They consistently produce some of the bravest and most hard hitting social commentary in their music. They have found the perfect balance between getting your groove on, and making valid and inspiring social commentary. And music with a message just seems so much more valuable. The music off their new album, Africa, refuses to step back from that incisive cutting social commentary and innovative blending of sounds."
Andy Davis, Levi's Original Music Magazine
"Tidal Waves are so accessible. They are always the first band that comes to mind when we discuss bands with a truly and purely South African vibe who aren't the African tribal cliché. I have never left a Tidal Waves show disappointed. It's just not possible to criticise a band that can make you sing along in more than three languages. What other band do you know that can do that? Especially so when you consider how many of their songs are about political and social issues. Mique van der Merwe" - Rock Out Radio
"Tidal Waves. Epic name. And it suits their sound - a swell and crash of roots rock reggae with a slow, seductive undertow and a spray of intense energy. They're humble, hard working, and happy souls. They've made challenging life choices and they carry their message with pride. Songs of global domination, the evils of an economy out of balance, spiritual insights and lekker lekker dans are run through with energy and positive intention. And with years of experience, they are equally enthusiastic about emerging talent trailing the country and what it means to the morale of the motherland." Jess Henson, Levi's Original Music Magazine
