Harmony in Hardship: Eastern Cape Musicians Face Flood Crisis

The Eastern Cape, a vibrant hub of South African musical talent, is reeling from catastrophic floods that claimed at least 78 lives by June 13, 2025, following torrential rains and an extreme cold front from June 7-10. For musicians in areas like Mthatha and Gqeberha, the disaster has brought profound challenges, disrupting performances, damaging venues, and threatening livelihoods. Yet, amidst the devastation, the music community is striking a chord of resilience, rallying to support its own.

The floods have hit grassroots musicians hardest. Small venues, crucial for local acts in genres like jazz, hip-hop, and amapiano, have been inundated, with reports of waterlogged sound equipment and collapsed stages. “My keyboard is gone, and the club I play at is underwater,” says Sipho Ndlovu, a Mthatha-based pianist. “We’re not just losing gigs; we’re losing our spaces to create.” The Eastern Cape, home to 7.2 million people and a rich musical heritage, has seen 58 schools and 20 hospitals damaged, alongside critical infrastructure like roads, further isolating artists from opportunities.

In response, South Africa’s music scene is mobilizing. Social media platforms, particularly X, are abuzz with calls for benefit concerts, with artists like amapiano duo TxC, fresh off their BET Awards win, rumored to be planning fundraising events. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has pledged emergency grants to help musicians replace lost instruments, while local radio stations are dedicating airtime to promote affected artists. These efforts echo the community’s response to past crises, where music became a beacon of hope.

The floods, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure—such as the province’s single rescue helicopter—highlight systemic challenges that amplify the impact on artists. As President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha on June 13, promising aid, musicians are calling for targeted support to rebuild cultural spaces. For now, the Eastern Cape’s music community is finding strength in solidarity, proving that even in the face of tragedy, their rhythm will endure.