South African Heavy Music
About
Cold, heavy and unmistakably South African.
Die Gemeente is a bilingual metalcore band from Pretoria, South Africa.
Formed in 2024 the band blends heavy riffs, aggressive rhythms and dark electronic elements with a mix of Afrikaans and English vocals.
Influenced by bands like Thrown, Alpha Wolf, Varials and Emmure, their sound is cold, heavy and unmistakably South African.
Since their live debut in March 2025, Die Gemeente has quickly gained attention in South Africa’s metal scene.
Their music has featured in a nationwide kykNET television campaign for the program “Vat Jou Goed en Trek”, alongside coverage from TuksFM, PUKfm, the Potchefstroom Herald, community radio, podcasts and alternative media.
Music
Members
Vocals
Die Gemeente is self-managed by vocalist Conrad de Jager, who holds an honours degree in Financial Accounting from North-West University and an International Master’s (Global Markets and Local Creatives) awarded and hosted jointly by the University of Glasgow, the University of Barcelona and Georg-August University (Germany).
Bass
Bassist Francois Smith is a producer and the creator of Synthwave Girl, a project under his own name with around 50k Spotify monthly listeners and multiple curated playlists. He brings strong technical and production experience to Die Gemeente’s sound and live setup. Francois is also the bassist for South African progressive metal band Human Nebula who recently performed at Wacken Open Air.
Guitar
Guitarist Jacques Bekker is a professional musician and music educator from Pretoria, with a Diploma and BTech in Jazz & Popular Music from Tshwane University of Technology. A seasoned session player across jazz, pop and metal, he brings technical precision and live experience from multiple projects to the party.
Drums
Drummer Steven Bosman is an experienced touring musician, best known for his work with stoner rock band Ruff Majik, with whom he has toured the US, Africa and Europe multiple times. When he’s not on stage, Steven is a full-time drum tutor, bringing professional technique and tight, high-energy playing to Die Gemeente.
Management — Self-managed by vocalist Conrad de Jager
Live
Die Gemeente has performed in 7 of South Africa’s 9 provinces, at renowned venues countrywide including Railways Cafe, Sognage, Rumours, Bailey’s, Westville Warehouse, Daisy Jones, Snowflake, Die Aasvoël, Alley and The Music Kitchen.Festivals — Mieliepop · Winterfest · Slamdank · Ramfest
Shows
Die Mystic Boer · Potchefstroom — With Drunk Wizard, Nikotien and Tydloos
Irish Club, Linden · Randburg — With Schmät
