Harari

Harari: Pioneers of South African Afro-Rock and Funk

Harari is one of South Africa’s most iconic bands, celebrated for their afro-rock and funk fusion style that left a lasting mark on the country’s music scene. Formed in Soweto in the late 1960s under the name The Beaters, the group originally consisted of guitarists Selby Ntuli and Monty Ndimande known as Saitana, bassist Alec Khaoli, and drummer Sipho Mabuse.

The band changed its name to Harari in 1976 during a tour through Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The name was inspired by a township outside Salisbury, which is today Harare. With their energetic performances and innovative sound, Harari became the first local black pop/rock band to appear on South African television, breaking racial and cultural barriers in the country’s music industry.

Harari’s lineup evolved over the years, with notable members including Arthur Rafapha original vocalist, Oupa Segwai ,percussionist, Thelma Segonah ,keyboardist, joined in1978, Masike Mohape lead guitarist and vocalist, and Lionel Petersen who became lead vocalist, joined 1981. Each member contributed to the band’s distinctive sound and dynamic stage presence.

The band achieved national and regional success in South Africa and neighbouring states, capturing audiences with hits such as" Party", which entered the American Disco Hot 100 in 1982. Their label, Gallo, signed a two-album deal with the US label A&M, helping the band gain international exposure.

Harari’s music was more than entertainment—it resonated deeply with South Africans living under apartheid. Their songs and performances became symbols of cultural pride and subtle resistance, cementing the band’s place as both musical innovators and cultural icons.

By 1984, Harari had disbanded, with each member pursuing successful solo careers. Selby Ntuli continued as a guitarist and vocalist, shaping early South African pop-rock sounds. Alec “Om” Khaoli contributed his songwriting and bass skills to both the band and his solo projects. Ndimande’s guitar work remained influential in the South African music scene, while Mabuse, known as Hotstix ,became a leading figure in music and entertainment after the group’s dissolution.

Harari’s legacy endures through their recordings, their groundbreaking television appearances, and their role in shaping the South African music landscape. They remain celebrated as trailblazers who fused funk, rock, and African rhythms to create a sound uniquely their own.