The Rudimentals

THE RUDIMENTALS: History 2000 - 2006

The founding members of the band were bass player, Barry Clausen, guitarist, Etienne Harris, drummer, Duane Heydenreych and keyboard player, Milandro Mapenga. This crew met with Zimbabwean talent Teboho (Teboes) Maidza, a born and bred artist. Out of this gathering rose The Rudimentals.



The band then took on a three-piece brass section, from The University of Cape Town. Simon Bates (Masters graduate) as saxophonist, Jody Engelbrecht as trumpeter and Ross McDonald as trombonist. At the same time the band parted ways with keyboard player Milandro and took on another skilful member, Dirk Meerkotter on replacement keys.



The band released it’s first CD offering, entitled “More Fire” to the masses in South Africa, in October 2003 and the hit song “Noh TV” won a National Bronze Stone award for best music video, in that same year. In 2004, the band was voted “Best Reggae and Ska Band” in the country, by Blunt Magazine, which enjoys a National readership.



In the course of 2003 a ninth member joined The Rudimentals, in the form of ex-Louie R and The Jive guitarist, Michael Levy, filling the slot of lead guitarist. However, late 2004 saw the departure of long time Rudimental founder member and close friend, Barry Clausen, exchanging his rude boy apparel for greener pastures. With no time to waste and a succession of upcoming shows a new face was added to the line-up. Six times National Freestyle skateboarding champion Errol Strachan (AKA Bong), was added to The Rudimentals as a replacement for Clausen. In early 2008 Dirk left the band and was replaced by Antonio Cencherle, AKA "Tony Fingers"



The band released the second CD, entitled “Set It Proper”, produced by Ross McDonald, the trombone player. The CD fuses Ska, Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, Rock, African Mbaquanga and Jazz into what is now truly termed Afro-Ska. The band regularly headlines National Festivals and is continuing to gain huge positive response to the groundbreaking sound of Afro-Ska. Sponsors include Cape Audio College, Township Guitars, Moskow Clothing and Critik Shoes.



In 2007, the Band signed up for the first CD, “More Fire”, with Moonskaworld UK, [www.moonskaworld.com]. Go check the Rudies out on this website, and get access to the hugest online Ska music store!