From prep schools to senior colleges, student bands battle it out live in Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied
St John’s College is turning up the volume this weekend as it hosts its first-ever Battle of the Bands - the Prep and College Contemporary Live Music Competition on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2pm to 9.30pm at the Rene England Auditorium.
Aimed at encouraging and showcasing the musical talent of young performers, this inaugural event brings together Prep and College-level bands from across Gauteng to battle it out on stage, performing original contemporary music for a live audience and an esteemed panel of industry professionals.
“These talented young musicians will battle it out on stage, showcasing their creativity and passion for original contemporary music,” the organisers said. “The competition gives them a rare opportunity to perform live, gain stage experience, receive feedback from an industry panel, and be inspired to keep writing and performing.”
The competition marks a major milestone for the school’s contemporary music programme, which has been gaining momentum under the leadership of Jonathan Thorburn, Head of Contemporary Music at St John’s College.
“The quality of entries into our first Battle of the Bands far exceeded our expectations. The finalists are polished, energetic and full of ideas, and it’s exciting to see contemporary music thriving at this level,” said Thorburn.
The event has attracted a prestigious judging panel of professionals from the South African and international music industry:
Mike Bower – Producer at 5fm
Alana Britz – Social Media Manager for Wacken Metal Battle and Emalyth Events
Catherine Grenfell – Former SAMA judge and music DJ
Jina Min – Senior Manager, Commerce & Streaming at Empire Africa
Robyn Norris – Sound Engineer at AsAbove Studios
Ashley Gaisford – Independent Sound Engineer
Buhrmann Steenkamp – Senior Examiner at Rock School of London
Bands were selected based on video submissions and judged on musicality, stagecraft, originality, and technical ability. Every entrant received detailed professional feedback, making the competition not only a performance opportunity but also a valuable developmental experience.
“Beyond the competition, this event is about development and encouragement. Every band that entered has received feedback from respected professionals in the industry, which we hope will motivate them to keep performing and growing as musicians,” said Sash Northey, event organiser.
Jan Rock (Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimer)
The KPS Band (Kyalami Preparatory)
Pridwin Rock Band (Pridwin Preparatory)
The Cactus Quills (St John’s Preparatory)
Amped Up! (St Peter’s Girls’ Preparatory)
The Sunday Nights (Beaulieu College)
Class Action (Rand Park High School)
Overdrive (Steyn City School)
5 Kings of the Castle (St John’s College)
Peak (St John’s College)
The event will also feature special guest performances by:
Crash and the Void
Steve Umculo
THE THR3 PROJ3CT
Winners in both categories will receive a professional studio recording of one of their original tracks at AsAbove Studios.
Throughout the day, Marshall Music, Rock School of London, and JDKustoms will be sponsoring additional prizes.
In addition to the competition, attendees can enjoy:
Guest artist performances
Food and merchandise stalls
A lively, music-filled atmosphere for the whole family
The event is supported by AsAbove Studios, Marshall Music, Rock School of London, and JD Customs.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
2pm – 9.30pm
Rene England Auditorium, St John’s College
R250 via Webtickets
For the safety and comfort of all attendees, the following are not permitted:
Food and drinks
Alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, hubbly-bubbly
Drugs or flammable items (including deodorant and perfume)
Sharp objects or weapons
Medication without a valid doctor’s prescription
For more information, please contact: [email protected]