Lost//Youth’s “Your Favourite Band Unplugged” brought a fresh energy to Jozi’s live scene

<p>Remember MTV’s <em>Unplugged</em> series? Where bands and artists stripped their most famous songs down to acoustics, creating new meaning and deepening fan appreciation? On a freezing night in Melville, four local bands took a swing at that same concept.</p>

<p>Hosted by Lost//Youth with promotion by Joburg-based promoter, Pleasure Palace, <em>Your Favourite Band Unplugged</em> challenged Jozi acts to step outside their comfort zones. The Cape Town duo were joined by Zondo Commission, L.O.C., and Shameless at Good Omens for a night that highlighted the value of genre, and city cross-pollination in the scene.</p>

<p>I caught the tail end of the Lost//Youth set, but still got a taste of their blend of spoken word and music. They were arguably the most naturally suited to the format, and despite a minor sound issue, the set was moving. By the end of their set, the audience had shifted into the spirit of the evening, sitting on the carpet, settling in, and listening more intently with less chatter.</p>

<p>I was especially curious to see how the Zondo Commission would translate into an unplugged setting. My deduction? It sort of worked — but not entirely. Still as compelling as ever, the band didn’t fully stick to the concept. What began with acoustic guitars gradually escalated into a more familiar, high-energy performance that eventually had people moshing. Not quite unplugged in the traditional sense, but undeniably effective in getting the crowd going.</p>

<p>Whenever I watch L.O.C., the crowd’s reaction is almost as interesting as the band itself. For some, there’s excitement; for others, mild confusion as they try to place the genre. I was keen to see how that dynamic would unfold here. Sedi performed seated on an ottoman, guiding the band through the evening’s most intimate set. While they managed to rein in some of their usual intensity, moments of explosive energy still broke through when Sedi’s signature movement crept into the performance.</p>

<p>Closing the night was Shameless, who I was seeing live for the first time with their new drummer. Though not strictly acoustic either, their emotionally charged set reminded everyone why they’re considered among the strongest musicians in the scene. Musa Zwane’s ability to hold space as both vocalist and lead guitarist was particularly striking. There’s a noticeable shift in the band’s cohesion, something that seems to have solidified in the wake of personal tragedy, ultimately making them a tighter, more powerful unit.</p>

<p>The final word? The show, albeit imperfect, was a lot of fun even when the concept’s execution wasn’t always strictly adhered to. Despite this, a Cape Town artist bringing a show with a fresh concept to the Jozi streets is memorable and opens up avenues for other possibilities. By the end of the night, most of the audience bought into the spirit of the event and enjoyed themselves. Hopefully, on its next edition, the show will be bigger, better, and more unplugged.</p>

<p><em>Photographs courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pleasurepalace__?igsh=dnN6Y2Nqd3FvbDkx">Troye Alexander</a>.</em></p>

<p></p>

Lost//Youth’s “Your Favourite Band Unplugged” brought a fresh energy to Jozi’s live scene

Comments (0)

Keep reading

Daily Discussion Thread 05/09/2026

🚨FIREBOY DML NEW SNIPPET

Prince Paul Feat. Chubb Rock, Wordsworth & MF DOOM - Chubb Rock Can You Please Pay Paul The $2200 You Owe Him (People, Places And Things) (2003)

[FRESH] BHAUN- MIA