Punks party for Palestine
Hundreds of people embodied the punk spirit of resistance and freedom by supporting a Pro-Palestine fundraiser at the Zoo Lake Bowls Club last weekend.
In a unique and inspiring collaboration, the Joburg punk and metal scene teamed up with Gift of the Givers to host a live music event supporting Palestine on August 11, 2024.
Organized by Motel Studios alongside Gift of the Givers, the event featured a lineup of brazen and bold bands who are regulars in the punk music scene.
Run by Jesse Elk and Lucas Cowling, Motel Studios is a homegrown music studio founded by two established musicians.
“As young artists and musicians we [have] an opportunity to use our platforms for something positive and meaningful” the co-founders said.
Radio Islam helped them link up with Gift of the Givers, and together the two made magic. A table selling Palestine merch stood at the entrance, always attracting a crowd. At the ticket stand, custom ‘Free Palestine’ shirts sold out within a few hours, and attendees could already be seen wearing them.
On the lineup were four excellent bands: Zondo Commission, Buru Azeban, Lerato Orchestral Collective (LOC), and Sextape.
The bands were excellent at keeping the audience focused on the serious purpose of the event, whilst also maintaining the punk spirit of anarchy and chaos. Lots of moshpits were formed, with punks pushing and shoving each other with glee.
One of the attendees, Kyle Cantrell, thought it was the perfect crossover. “Punks are the kindest, most passionate people I’ve come across”, they said. “We refuse to accept what is happening, and we will party and march and do anything and everything in our power to make a change”.
Even those outside of the punk scene who attended in solidarity with Palestine were impressed. Ameerah Nassiep noted that nearly all the other pro-Palestine events she had attended “were more catered to families”, but she was still enthusiastic about the event and its success.
Olivia Hawes, another newcomer to the scene, said “It was so fun to see a circle that I don’t have much interaction with”.
In many ways, the event was just as much about introducing the vibrant and creative music scene to a new audience as it was about showing solidarity with Palestine.
LOC was a personal highlight, largely for the lead vocalist’s sheer energy and upbeat spirit. The band got everyone clapping, stomping, headbanging and full-on moshing. For an event with such a solemn and grave purpose, everyone left with grins on their faces.
This was Motel Studios’ aim all along. Rather than feeling defeated and helpless in the face of the devastating war on Gaza, they wanted to focus on how “we are all capable of making a difference, even if it is small. We aren’t powerless or insignificant.” They were certainly proven right.
FEATURED IMAGE: People gathered at the Punks for Palestine event at the Zoo Lake Bowls Club. Photo: Ruby Delahunt.
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