OPERATION KHATAZA + SOFAYA @ Trenchtown Band Nights

Join us at Trenchtown on February 7th at 8 PM for an unforgettable night with Operation Khataza and Sofaya.

SOFAYA

SOFAYA is an eight-piece ensemble led by South African trumpeter James McClure. In 2023, the group was formed in Amsterdam, bursting onto the experimental music scene with a vision of sharing the beauty and urgency of South African music, history, and heritage.

Their sound is a taste of Africa infused with free improvisation—heartfelt melodies, infectious grooves, wailing horns, and hypnotic percussion. It’s a soulful journey, both electrifying and untamed, yet deeply genuine and kind.

This will be the first time this music is be played in South Africa and will feature:

Keno Carelse - drums

Lilavan Gangen - percussion

Sean Sanby - bass

Salvoandrea Lucifora - trombone

Gabriel du Toit - tenor sax

James McClure - trumpet

OPERATION KHATAZA

Operation Khataza is a dynamic eight-piece band led by the enigmatic Farrah Khataza, a mystical character brought to life by singer/songwriter, guitarist, and selector Sanele Blaai. Tracing its roots back to 2023, the band is a product of the unique interconnectedness of the Observatory neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa.    

he band's eccentric sound is a captivating blend of Afro-futurist nostalgia, drawing influences from a rich tapestry of genres such as Zamrock, South African jazz, kwaito, soukous, highlife, R&B, blues, and rock & roll. Operation Khataza's music transcends boundaries, delivering a profound and soul-stirring experience.

A meeting ground and melting pot, Observatory is a physical manifestation of counter-culturalism and the new thinking sweeping across this generation. Creating music under the slogan “Sonic Liberation Across Alkebulan” (Alkebulan being a pre-colonial name for the African continent) 

Sanele Blaai - rhythm guitar, lead vocals

Lois Flandorp - vocals

Mariana Del Carmen - vocals

Fabian Selote - Spoken Word

Benji Anstey - lead guitar

Jarryd Alexander - bass guitar

Vuyo Nkasawe - keys

Timothy Fortes drums

Don't miss out on these soul-stirring performances—an evening of powerful, conscious music that will leave you inspired. See you there!

Doors Open: 8PM

Online and Door: R150