The Safari Suits, a Cape Town New Wave band active from 1978 to 1979, revitalized the local music scene with their blend of rock, reggae, and kwela rhythms, addressing South African society through their lyrics and performances.
Category Archives: Radio Rats
The Chauffeurs
The Chauffeurs were a band from Welkom active between 1982 and 1984, known for their single “Love Motors” and the album “Music For The Motortrade,” featuring members Johnny Sparkplug, Dave Dashboard, and Pete Piston.
Radio Rats Family Tree
The South African Rock Encyclopedia details the lineage and evolution of the Radio Rats, a notable band influenced by various rock legends. Key members include Jonathan Handley and Dave Davies, among others. Their journey includes multiple lineups and recordings spanning decades.
The Pop Guns
The Pop Guns, formed in 1980 from members of The Safari Suits and The Radio Rats, gained recognition for “Shock Time For Rock” in the punk scene, influenced by iconic artists like Bowie and Bolan.
Rock It Real with DJ Squeek and Jonathan Rat
Jonathan Rat interviewed by DJ Squeek on Rock It Real, Thursday, 8 January 2026, from 20:00 to midnight at Zeno FM.
Radio Rats – “Vampire Weekends” USB Card Album Now Available
The Radio Rats have released their album “Vampire Weekends” on a USB card, offering 13 MP3 songs, artwork, lyrics, and bonus videos, continuing their tradition of independence. Available for R200.
What’s New on the South African Rock Encyclopedia
Recent updates include new music from No Friends Of Harry, Robin Auld, and Radio Rats, as well as a new artist page for Una Valli. The site has consolidated several subsites for easier browsing.
South African Top Ten Rock Albums of the 1970s
The South African Top Ten Rock Albums of the 1970s showcases unique genres, including ethnic rock and astrological rock, highlighting artists like Hawk, Rabbitt, and Freedoms Children for their influential sounds.
Rock Legends: 1970s
South African Rock Legends from the 1970s including Rabbitt, Freedoms Children, Falling Mirror, Clout and McCully Workshop.
Herbie Parkin’s Radio Rats Site
Herbie Parkin, bassist and historian for the Radio Rats, created a fan website to preserve the band’s legacy through gig listings and memorabilia. He passed away in August 2020, but his work is archived, though bits are missing.