I first stumbled upon the AFRIMAs at their stand, during
AITEC’s 2nd BFMA (Broadcast Film Music Africa) festival which took place in May
of this year. After a minute or two of perusing through their pamphlets and
brochures, it was quite evident that there was no rock ‘n’ roll category. I
mentioned this omission to the lady at the stand and we then had a short
discussion about rock music in Africa: how there were hundreds of rock bands all
across Africa, of course with many of them in Southern Africa, but also more
than a handful in East Africa (especially in Kenya) and a number in West Africa
and even in Northern Africa. She promised to look into the prospect of adding a
rock genre.
Yesterday, I received an email from AFRIMA, listing the
nominees of the various awards. I looked through the first pages, my heart
sinking, thinking to myself, “Just the usual culprits. No rock ‘n’ roll
category. No big surprise there…” But then I was suddenly, very pleasantly
surprised when I saw the Parlotones mentioned and then Lo and Behold! An
“African Rock” category! Yay!
It was bitter-sweet though. Yes, there was a rock category
but alas, no Kenyan bands were represented. Why is this when in the other categories
such as hip hop, inspirational, etc, Kenyans feature prominently? Is it that
the people in charge are not aware that there are Kenyan rock bands making
quality rock music? Or is that, as usual, they ignored Kenyan rock bands? Or
perhaps the fault is with the Kenyan rock bands; did they not submit their
songs/videos? I will definitely begin an investigation to find out the answers
to the above questions.
The following are the bands nominated in the “Best African
Rock” category
AFRIMA 2014: NOMINEES LIST
CATEGORY: BEST AFRICAN ROCK
COUNTRY
|
TRACK
|
|
Dear Zim
|
Zimbabwe
|
Indiana
|
Shadow Club
|
South Africa
|
Melanielectriclove
|
Shaun Jacobs
|
South Africa
|
End of the Road
|
The Parlotones, featuring KhuliChana
|
South Africa
|
Sleepwalker
|
Van Coke Kartel
|
South Africa
|
Moregloed
|
I am yet to listen to any of these songs but once I do, I
will do an in depth analysis, including how Kenyan rock songs measure up
against them. I know for a fact that the Parlotones are a pretty good band.
I first heard of the Parlotones when I was in South Africa
(late 2004 to late 2006), thanks to their cynical yet beautiful song called
“Colourful”:
I get so nervous I
stutter stutter
I am so clumsy I
fumble stumble
I’m not some
handsome knight in shining armour
I’m colourful, I’m
colourful
Apart from being nominated in the “Best African Rock”
category, the Parlotones have also been nominated for three other awards
namely: Album of the Year” with their album “Stand Like Giants”. They will be
competing with their countrymates Mafikizolo (album: “Reunited”). The
Parlotones have also been nominated for “Songwriter of the Year” for the song
“Sleepwalker”, which was co-written with Khuli Chana, Jon Savage and J.
Nubrega. They will be competing with “Personally” and Nigeria’s “Pull Over”.
Personally, I think more effort went into writing “Pull over” than “Personally”
but that’s just my personal opinion. :-)
“Sleepwalker” has also been nominated for “Song of
the Year”
All the best to the Parlotones!