Harari

About

Formed in the late 1960s and originally known as The Beaters, the South African group consisting of guitarists Selby Ntuli and Saitana (real name: Monty Ndimande), bassist Alec Khaoli and drummer Sipho Mabuse decided to change their name to Harari during a tour through Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1976. The name is taken from a township outside Salisbury (which is now the capital, Harare). With their afro-rock / funk / fusion style they achieved huge successes back home and in the neighbouring states, and they were the first local black pop / rock band to appear on South African TV. Their label, Gallo, struck a two-album deal with the US label A&M and their 1980 single Party entered the American Disco Hot 100 in 1982. However, by 1984 the group had disbanded, and the members launched successful solo careers.