Based: Johannesburg

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. 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 the Mahotella Queens, into catchy reggae rock tracks. Tidal Waves have performed across southern Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and

as far abroad as The Seychelles, New Zealand, China, Europe and the US – highlights include performances at Pukkelpop, Mano Mundo, SXSW and the Austin

Reggae Festival. They’ve backed Ziggy Marley on stage and toured with the Easy Star All-Stars. Ziggy Marley confessed the media during his stay that has “fallen

in love with Tidal Waves” after hearing their sound. While there have been many changes within the band over the years, the core remains strong and the

message clear – Tidal Waves are here to stay.