SKINFLINT: Africa’s Heavy Metal Trailblazers

Interview by Angela Croudace
The music world is often dominated by Western narratives, but
Botswana’s Skinflint is challenging those narratives by carving out
a unique space for African metal. Founded in late 2006, the band
emerged with a vision to blend heavy metal with the richness of
African culture and mythology. HEAVY spoke to the band’s core
members - Giuseppe Sbrana (guitar, vocals), Kebonye (bass), and
Cosmos (drums) - to discuss their musical journey, influences, and
the themes behind their latest album, Baloi.
“Skinflint started with a simple idea: to tell the stories of
Botswana and Africa, particularly the darker sides of our mythology
that aren’t often covered by Western media,” Giuseppe explained.
“Africa is rich in history and tales, and we wanted to bring those
narratives to life through metal.”
The band’s name, while catchy, lacks deep meaning. “It just sounded
good,” Kebonye said with a chuckle. However, their mission is far
from superficial. With a growing fan base across the globe, they
have become a significant voice in the underground metal scene,
sharing stories steeped in African folklore.
Despite their passion, Skinflint has faced significant challenges
in promoting their music in Africa. “In the beginning, many people
didn’t understand what we were trying to do,” Giuseppe admitted.
“The metal scene here is small, and venues that support our music
are rare. We’ve had to create our own opportunities.”
They emphasize the necessity of collaboration among bands in
Botswana, sharing resources to build their own stages and sound
systems. “It’s a DIY punk attitude,” Giuseppe noted, reflecting on
the resilience of local artists. “But the hard work is worth it
when we get on stage and share our stories.”
Their latest album, Baloi, which translates to "witches" in
Setswana, delves deep into Botswana’s rich mythology. The title
track addresses themes of love and betrayal, inspired by the legend
of Lenswala Baratani - a tale of two lovers shunned by their tribe.
“These stories are part of who we are,” Giuseppe stated. “We want
to share them, even if they can be dark and unsettling.”
Another standout track, Sangoma, explores the concept of blood
magic and witchcraft. Kebonye explained, “We want to showcase our
culture, the good and the bad. People fear what they don’t
understand, but we believe in the importance of telling these
stories.”
As Skinflint continues to gain traction internationally, they are
often dubbed "Africa's heavy metal Gods." However, the band is
quick to redirect the spotlight. “While we appreciate the
recognition, there are so many great bands in Africa,” Giuseppe
urged. “It’s important for people to explore the diversity of
African metal and the stories it has to offer.”
Their dedication has resulted in a loyal following not just in
Africa but worldwide. When I asked about future tours, the
excitement was palpable. “We’d love to play in Australia,” Guiseppe
exclaimed. “Just connect us with a promoter, and we’ll be on the
next plane!”
At the heart of Skinflint's ethos is collaboration. Each member
contributes to the songwriting process, with Giuseppe penning the
lyrics while drawing on ideas from the band. “It’s a family
atmosphere,” he described. “We want to push each other to new
heights, incorporating each member’s strengths into our
music.”
As our conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Skinflint is
more than just a band. They are storytellers, cultural ambassadors,
and innovators in the heavy metal genre, determined to break
boundaries and share the untold stories of Africa with the world.
Their journey continues, one heavy riff at a time.


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