AFRICA.ROCKS Soundcheck 2026 has its first winner.
Pagan Ulver, from Morocco, have won the first edition of the contest with a total of 17 points. The result was close, with only one point separating the winners from the bands in second and third place.
The final also featured Chovu from Kenya, Grey and SLA.ID from Madagascar, and Mysanthrium from South Africa.
The first edition of Soundcheck awards 250 USD to the winning band and brings together a selection of African underground acts through rehearsal-room videos, giving each band the chance to be seen in its own environment.
The winner was chosen by a jury composed of Cátia Cunha from Against PR, Dana da Silva from AFRICA.ROCKS, Redouane Aouameur from Lelahell and Lelahel Metal Magazine, Sashquita Northey from Emalyth Events, and Tshomarelo Mosaka, also known as Vulture Thrust, from Overthrust and Vulture Thrust Metal Magazine.
AFRICA.ROCKS thanks every band that took part in this first edition, as well as everyone who voted, watched the videos, shared the entries and followed the contest.
Soundcheck was created to show African bands in their own space, with their own sound, energy and identity. This first edition offered a small look into the African underground, and we hope the next one brings many more bands into the list of participants, not only to compete for the prize, but also to introduce themselves and show where they come from.
Congratulations to Pagan Ulver, and thank you to all the finalists and participating bands.
