Formed in the early 1990s in Uitenhage, South Africa, Skank and the Roots have become a cornerstone of the local reggae scene. Originally known as African Roots, the band rebranded to reflect their evolving sound and dynamic stage presence. Led by the charismatic Nkenke “Skank” Mooi, the group features Mkhangeli “MK” Matiwane on bass, Frank Barends on keyboards, Deon Manell on guitar, and Desmond “Rebel” Dabula on drums. Their music, rich with emotional depth and positive messages, tackles social issues while promoting peace and love, earning them a local and international following.

One of their career highlights was a 1993 performance in front of Nelson Mandela, during which Mandela raised his fist in appreciation of their Mandela tribute song “Red Spear”. This iconic moment underscored the band’s impact and connection with their audience. Recently in 2021, Skank and the Roots released their 8-track “Who’s To Be Blamed” album. They received the Best Music Group award at the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Awards in 2022, a testament to their enduring influence and excellence in the South African music scene.