Jack Mantis Band, Roxton met Herki & Dave Knowles

The Jack Mantis Band formed in Cape Town in 2007. Their music speaks of adventure, travel, humanity, struggles and triumph. Mostly touring overseas, it is a rare and special moment when they gather to step onto a South African stage (like that time they opened for American singer-songwriter Ben Harper earlier this year). Jack has just wrapped up a largely sold out 100+ date tour across Germany for the film release of “Blown Away” (officially selected for the International Ocean Film Festival) and has returned home for a run of shows in the African sun this summer. 

“What we discovered was that music is a bond that builds bridges across unknown expanses. JMB has become a living, breathing, evolving, aspect of our musical union. If we can facilitate a small shift from within our fans, and always be a positive influence to our listeners, then we have the greatest job we could ever have wished for.” says Jack.

When it comes to South Africa, the Jack Mantis Band still has it’s place as one of the country’s top jam bands, sharing the stage with the likes of Prime Circle, Kahn Morbee (The Parlotones), Ard Matthews, Arno Carstens, Albert Frost  and – most recently – Dan Patlansky. 

With a history steeped in music and a lifetime spent gaining insight and wisdom the world over, Mantis brings something truly generous to his performances. A sense of common humanity and togetherness. It is undeniable that their vision is to create a conscious shift through their music and to hold a space for meaningful shared experiences.

For more information, visit the website.

#jackmantisband #jmb #jackmantis #unwrittenlife

Roxton met Herki really don't need introduction in these parts since having made Wilderness their home. For those of you not in the know, here goes: Josh Roxton is a self-taught artist with a phenomenal vocal ability which makes even the most skeptical of critics sit up and take notice. After fronting various bands for many years he decided to go it solo in early 2011.

It was not until 2015 that Roxton joined forces with a glorious fire bearded man by the name of Herki. His strictly no sticks approach is as refreshing as it is innovative. Armed with his cajon, kick drum and tambourine, he sets the pace and the mood with percussive precision. Together, they have toured the length and breadth of the country many times and graced festival stages such as Synergy Live, Wacky Wine Weekend, Smoking Dragon Festival and Up the Creek.

"Ours is a message of honesty and responsibility," Josh explains. "We have to be honest to ourselves and to those around us - and we have to take responsibility for our own lives. All the elements of our music have combined symbiotically to convey this in an inspirational performance. Our aim is not stardom but to etch our names in the minds of those that appreciate good, down to moon, honest and above all - REAL music."

For more information, like them on facebook.

#roxtonmetherki #rmh #joshroxton #slightlyajar

Dave Knowles is an unfailingly powerful and intimate performer with a prolific appetite for creation. His performance style uses guitar and vocals as a foundation, expanding into percussive finger style, looping, beatboxing, flute and bass arrangements. A versatile artist, shows vary from warm and piercing acoustic renditions to cracking beats to get you grooving. Best you polish those dancing shoes!

For more information, like him on facebook.

#daveknowles #aminal