Hawema

Hawema is an Afropunk band from South Africa’s unofficial music capital, Durban. The band’s sound has often been compared to Rage Against the Machine. However, Hawema uniquely blends in local Zulu culture and language with elements of rock ‘n roll, rhythm, and poetry, combining energetic rhythmic changes, in-your-face lyrics, and heart-racing riffs balanced against groovy dance sections and beautiful jazz chords. They passionately infuse the emerging local underground youth culture from Durban that draws on skating, surfing, hip-hop, and punk.
The band's upcoming music mainly was conceived during the 2021 floods, rioting, and general collapse. Four friends from different walks of life found a connection through their common love of music and the catharsis it brought them. They hope to share this feeling with the world.

Hawema desires to rise above the challenges presented by their country’s history by showcasing untold stories of everyday people from the inner city through their art. They want to drive the necessary change, embody the true ideals of the new South Africa, and finally take their music and stories worldwide through collaborations and live shows. Their performances are electrifying and chaotic, powered by the DIY attitude championed by Durban’s punk scene in earlier decades. The band is comprised of four veterans of the Durban music scene.