The Battle of the Bands, presented by the Independent on Saturday and the BAT Centre will be launched on August 12 at 20h00 in the Zansi Music Restaurant and Bar at the BAT Centre.

The Battle of the Bands takes place every Thursday at 20h00 at Zansi. Heat One runs from August 12 to November 4 where four bands will compete every week. The resulting top 16 groups go through to Heat Two from November 11 to December 2. The top eight bands then go through to Heat Three – the Semi Finals which take place from December 9 to 16. The four semi-finalists will battle it out in the finals on December 23 in The Mother of all Battles which will be held in the BAT Hall.

All categories of music are open – whether kwaito, heavy metal, rock, R&B, or reggae. The only stipulation is that the band must be unsigned (not having a contract with a professional recording company). Registration is R50 per band and entry forms are available at BAT or at the Independent on Saturday offices in Greyville.

For details, phone (031) 332-0451.