They consider themselves more of a collective rather than a traditional band, have no need for vowels and blazed the trail for Afrofuturism in South Africa for over a decade. After being chosen to open for the Foo Fighters at FNB’s Soccer City in Soweto in December, the BLK JKS are paying it forward by giving one unknown male vocalist the opportunity to join them onstage for a one song, once-in-a-lifetime rock star moment. We caught up with guitarist Mpumi Ncata to talk about fate, comfort dressing and breaking all the stereotypes.
Okay, so we have to ask, why are you guys looking for a male vocalist in particular?
Female energy is a very powerful thing, a universe unto itself… We just don’t think we ready for that jelly.
What are the qualities that a BLK JKS frontman should possess?
Well, the BLK JKS are not a very “frontman” orientated type of band. We don’t really subscribe to most stereotypes, so whoever does sing with us just has to be himself – you know, unique, like everybody else…
There’s no doubt it will be an epic experience for him. Can you tell us about your most memorable performance?
The Fillmore/Irving Plaza in Manhattan to close off the Felabration Festival with Femi Kuti was pretty nice, so was the South Bank in London with SquarePusher… Both times we were just like, “No turning back now…” This is as much for everyone who believed in us as much as those who doubted… Because: Intense.
What was the first thing that went through your mind when you got the call you’d be opening for the Foo Fighters?
We were in different places, I was in Cape Town sitting in on an edit for a film I’ve been working on when [our drummer] Tshepang called me about it, probably from his studio while working with Moonchild, my first thought was, “It’s a sign. Please elaborate on this. It’s a sign.”
Is there any one particular Foo Fighters song that’s made a huge impression on you?
“Hero” is great. I also quite like that new one, “Rope”. I heard that at an internet cafe in Paris last November while I was stranded there without a visa, trying to join the guys in London for the rest of our tour with our other band Motel Mari, that track lifted my spirits.
When and how did you love of music first begin? What was the catalyst?
Music videos got me deep into music. Things like the Peter Gabriel Sledge Hammer video, which I think was the first one I saw on MTV, and then seeing Sade underwater in a wedding dress. Those things brought me much closer to sound.
What does style mean to you?
To me, comfort is everything… Not just a physical comfort, but one that goes through the whole person, inside and out. They’re comfortable with themselves, not trying too hard. That’s style. But, as far as I’m concerned, there is no going out without good hats, good shades and good shoes (shout out to PUMA for the kicks).
Do you have one piece of clothing that you really, will-wear-it-until-it-falls-apart love?
I have this leather jacket that was passed down to me, from one great punk to the another, knife holes in it and everything, but it’s so beautiful…I’ll be sad when I have to hand it over to next generation.
Is it true you’re working on new material – can you tell us a little bit about what you guys have planned?
Yes – and simply put, we plan to keep rocking and experimenting. Recently BLK JKS got a shotgun horn section of two in, and it’s been very inspiring playing with these cats… Things are about to get wild.
If you know a guy who’s ready to sing with the BLK JKS, head to blkjks.co.za – competition closes November 17!
Don’t miss the BLK JKS and Foo Fighters at Soccer City on December 13, computicket.co.za