We all know the metal scene is global, but let’s be honest – our playlists can sometimes get a bit stuck in the usual UK, US, and European rut. While we might hear the odd band from South America or Asia break through, the African continent is absolutely teeming with heavy talent that rarely gets a proper look-in on the international stage.
That looks set to change with the launch of Africa.Rocks, a new dedicated portal aiming to give these bands the platform they deserve. Billing itself as the only site covering African rock and metal exclusively every single day, it promises a mix of news, interviews, features, and reviews. If you’re tired of the same old festival headliners and want to find your new favourite band from Botswana, Kenya, or Nigeria, this is probably where you want to be looking.
The project is the brainchild of Joel Costa, a man with a serious CV in music journalism. Having written for and led titles like Metal Hammer Portugal, Terrorizer, and Ultraje, he knows a thing or two about the industry. He’s taking a fairly philosophical view on the launch, reminding us of the music’s deep roots and why it matters.
“The story of humanity is shaped by encounters and diasporas that carried people, languages, and rhythms from the mother continent to the rest of the world,” Costa explains. “From bone flutes and skin drums used in ritual celebrations to the blues that would later give birth to rock, Africa gave us the genetic code of what it means to be human and the foundations of music.”
It’s always cracking to see new corners of the metal map getting filled in. Go give it a bookmark and broaden your horizons.
