THE atmosphere was electric as bands formed by Amanzimtoti High School learners took to the stage to rock it out for a ‘Battle of the Bands’ on August 9.

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The anticipation for the event steadily grew and once the day came, rock and roll fans were treated to an energetic spectacle of talent, individuality and a shared love of music.

One of the judges, co-organiser and bassist of The Golden Super Hawks, which also played during the show, Jon-Claude Stirling, explained that there were certain criteria the bands were judged according to. These included musicality, stage performance, appearance and crowd hype.

“From a judge’s point of view, I found it difficult with all of the bands going out there and giving 100%. It can be nerve-racking, yet all three put their hearts and souls out on stage,” said Stirling.

The final decision came down to only one point, with Kismet winning and The Suns following closely behind, alongside Octane.

“Amanzimtoti is still producing good musicians, we just need to try and find ways to get them to shine, and this was one of them. For a bunch of learners that I assume are self-taught, they really nailed it,” he added.

Another organiser, and teacher at Amanzimtoti High School, Abbygail Scott, was incredibly pleased with how the show turned out.

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She said, “It’s about growing that talent and making the children feel seen. It was so amazing to see them, how they enjoyed being on that stage.”

As part of the prize, winning band Kismet will visit the Campus of Performing Arts (COPA) for a day trip, and have a recording session for two songs.

Kismet drummer James Ratcliffe said that the band felt prepared after weeks of practise, coupled with their teaser event at Seadoone Mall, where they played a full set.

“We were a lot more confident playing together and playing in front of a crowd,” said James, who started playing drums three years ago.

Kel Barnard started playing after he got his first guitar, an old classical guitar. It was only when he got his first electric guitar, however, that he felt he started progressing.

On winning the battle of the bands Kel said, “It was confusing. We know that the other band, The Suns, did really well. I couldn’t even hear myself play because of my band mate, Arno Botha’s guitar.”

When asked whether Kismet will be staying together, both enthusiastically said, “Yes.”

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