THE BOTSWANA METALHEADS
In Botswana, a small country known more for its conservativeness and traditional folk sounds, a passionate minority of metalheads carved out a niche.
Situated in the middle of Southern Africa, the metal rock scene in Botswana is one of the most unexpected music subcultures in Africa. In a small country known more for its conservativeness and traditional folk sounds, a passionate minority of metalheads carved out a niche, creating a thriving and visually striking subculture gaining international recognition.
The Botswana metal scene is built on a foundation of deep love for heavy music. Its arrival in Botswana began around the late 60s and early 70s with the introduction of classic rock music, likely through tourist visits in the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana.
In the 70s, Nosey Road was the first Botswana metal band to compose hard rock material. Metal Orizon, formed in the early 90s, is considered the country's first heavy metal band, started combining local rhythms with electric guitar and the growling style of metal music.
While mainstream music dominates the country's airwaves, metal fans, and musicians have kept the genre alive through underground fests, gigs, self-funded recordings, support for the love of it, and an unbreakable sense of brotherhood.
What makes the Botswana metal community stand out is primarily the aesthetic. Inspired by classic heavy metal and biker culture, Botswana metalheads dress in full gear of leather jackets, cowboy boots, studs, spikes, and dramatic accessories, giving them an instantly recognizable look that has caught the attention of photographers and metal enthusiasts worldwide.
Stux and his band Wrust, along with bands like Overthrust, Skinflint, and Metal Orizon, are some of the leading acts of this genre in Botswana, blending traditional influences with heavy metal music.
Unlike their Western counterparts, their themes do not only revolve around death, injury, or fantasy; they primarily sing about real-life struggles such as social injustice, political corruption, rebellion, and other aspects of African lifestyle like mysticism and folklore.
Their annual Vulture Thrust Metal Fest is a key event for these metalheads. Drawing bands from across the continent, the event offers high-octane rock with a vibrantly inclusive attitude and takes place in Central Botswana.
For nine years, Overthrust has been headlining the festival and in recent times they have invited bands like Dor Fantasma, a thrash band from Angola, Norbormide, a Mozambican death metal band, and over 10 local bands. They are helping the community discover new music, making it an almost big metal family.
With the growth of the scene, it still faces some challenges like discrimination from outsiders who tag it as satanic music. Also, with little to no air time and mainstream support, many of these bands struggle to secure playing venues or recording opportunities.
Well on the bright side, the support and passion within the small community keeps it alive, building something truly exceptional.
