L8 Antique

L8 Antique is a four-piece band that encapsulates the cultural diversity of South Africa, through a music style called Shugumisa. Their music is strongly rooted in many diverse South African tribes. It is also influenced by urban genres, giving the band a progressive, world-class feel. L8 Antique has been described as the evolution of African culture in an upbeat society.

The band was formed by Lebo Mahlatji in 2007, in Alexandra Township. It has since shared stages with the likes of Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experience, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana, The Mahotella Queens, Fifi, Queen Godis (USA), BLK Jacks, The Brother Moves On, Vusi Mahlasela and McCoy Mrubata. It has also appeared in prominent live music events such as The International Arts Alive Festival, Jazz On The Lake and the Wits Art & Literature Festival.

In 2011, L8 Antique was voted Johannesburg’s No. 1 band by the Gauteng Department of Sports Arts Culture & Recreation. Their music, Str8 Tribal, was featured in the film Cast The First Stone, on DSTV. Their song Mnyamane was written as a stand against xenophobia and also featured in a documentary addressing the same theme, called Somehow Different. The band has also been recorded live for the upcoming documentary, WorldSouth. In 2017, L8 Antique was a semi-finalist in the Afropunk Battle of the Bands. In the same period their music also featured in the award-winning Breaking Ballet campaign, produced by TBWA.