Metal4Africa.com » About Us

METAL4AFRICA.com is a website intended to serve as a Global Gateway to African Metal.

Even today, the world knows very little about the mysteries and myths regarding what has been traditionally called “The Dark Continent” by early explorers.  To a degree, Africa is still a “dark” continent, captivating many peoples imaginations and opening their minds to all sorts of fantasies.  In a modern world, this perception has served our (African) tourism industry very well, however, it does cripple other industries…

Africa, like many regions around the globe, can celebrate a rich and diverse heavy metal sub-culture.  We have a history in metal spanning more than 2 decades, and a host of our own champions who tirelessly battle the odds to feed those who are hungry for heavy metal!  Regretfully, this is largely unknown to the rest of the world and our bands struggle forward in an under-developed industry, trying to find the light of day.  We hope that this website will honor those bands, as well as their supporters who come in the form of fans, friends, promoters and other businesses who have opened up windows of opportunity.

If you are an international visitor, then please use this website as a resource to study our continents contribution to the global metal scene.  Explore our band directories and visit the sites of our local heroes.  Share knowledge of our offerings with your friends, because we know that the “truest of the true” will find great joy in learning about African Metal Bands.

If you are an African, then use this site as a platform from which to show the world what you have been working so hard towards.  Share your ideas, music, venues and anything heavy metal with us, and let’s build a strong community.  Help us to create unity!

A brief history of METAL4AFRICA

METAL4AFRICA was begun within the realm of myspace in September 2006 by two metal enthusiasts living in Cape Town, South Africa. The vision was to create a “hub” whereby local (African) and international visitors could get a first-hand impression of what metal music is all about in Africa. The concept enjoyed immediate local success, and grew steadily over the months that followed.

It did not take long before the creators decided to expand the “reach” of the project into the realm of live entertainment. On June 16th, 2007, the first METAL4AFRICA event took place, titled: “A Showcase of African Metal”. It pulled a larger crowd than Cape Town metal had ever seen before for a show featuring only local metal acts. Unfortunately, 1 month later on July 16th, David Heidmann (R.I.P 1980 – 2007) passed away as a result of terminal illness, and M4A became a one-man-show.

Although the myspace activity died along with Dave, the “Darkfiend” continued to ply his talents towards the events department. By the second event, titled “SummerFest’08″, METAL4AFRICA ticket sales began to surpass those of international metal artists who had visited the region. The event concept developed into a “SummerFest” and “WinterFest” rotation. Each time drawing bands from various parts of the country to present the “showcase” promised by the organizer.

The concept of M4A events has always been to include a strong representation of metal bands, ranging from new to old, from different regions, and including the many layers of sub-genre that is inherent in metal music. But mostly, it is to provide bands with a professional, high-standard platform from which to pursue their ambitions – something which is very, very scarce in Africa. In short, the vision has always been to serve the African metal community in it’s conquest toward global recognition.
It is hoped for that future events can take place in other cities across South Africa, and then in other African countries as well.

Now in 2009, the project has seen another dramatic change. The doors were opened for greater “community access” as the list of bands who wanted in on the shows grew out of proportion. A meeting was called and resources and knowledge shared. A team was created to re-establish Internet operations and to expand them! The result of which you are now looking at.

The objectives of this site are to unify and facilitate growth within the African metal community. We are at your service!