Scream for Me, Africa!: Heavy Metal Identities in Post-Colonial Africa

Scream for Me Africa! is the first book to explore the hard rock and metal scenes in five African countries: Botswana, Togo, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. It sheds light on these rarely discussed scenes and how they reflect their countries' unique cultures and political systems. The book is written in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both academic and non-academic readers. It will appeal to anyone interested in metal, African culture, anthropology, sociology, and history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

Scream for Me, Africa! delves into the vibrant hard rock and metal scenes thriving across five African countries: Botswana, Togo, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. Author Edward Banchs dedicated substantial time to each country, conducting in-depth interviews with musicians, producers, and fans to paint vivid portraits of these rarely discussed scenes. These scenes represent a defiant deviation from the established norms, challenging the preconceived expectations associated with Africa and rock and metal music. Banchs has chosen to bring these unique scenes to the forefront at this time due to their distinctiveness and their ability to mirror the distinct identities of their respective countries.

This captivating new book explores the perception of heavy metal's subculture within Africa and the remarkable contributions of musicians on the continent in forging their own unique take on this genre. It examines the continent's burgeoning metal scenes through a range of themes, including hybridity, othering, and the intricate interplay between these scenes and the challenging political systems they exist within.

Scream for Me, Africa! stands as the inaugural work of its kind, offering an engaging exploration of the diverse metal scenes across Africa. Written in a clear and accessible manner, it caters to both academic and non-academic readers, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Edward Banchs is a freelance writer and independent scholar with a deep passion for metal music. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, his writing has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Guardian, Afropop, Metal Hammer, Metal Music Studies, and The Pittsburgh City Paper. In addition to his literary contributions, Banchs is also the author of the highly acclaimed book "Heavy Metal Africa" (2016).

This new book fills a significant gap in the academic literature on metal in Africa, expanding the existing body of knowledge on metal in the global south. It has the potential to be utilized as a valuable resource in courses spanning various disciplines, including sociology, cultural studies, and musicology.

In conclusion, Scream for Me, Africa! is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the vibrant hard rock and metal scenes thriving across Africa. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, author Edward Banchs provides a captivating exploration of these scenes, challenging preconceived notions and showcasing the unique contributions of African musicians in shaping the global metal landscape. This book is a valuable addition to academic literature and will interest scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 169 x 245 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789388596
Edition number: New ed