Since its successful launch a fortnight ago, the Independent on Saturday/BAT Battle of the Band's competition at the BAT Centre has turned out to be a force to reckoned with.

With the first two heats behind them, BAT organisers are gearing themselves up for an invasion every Thursday night at Battle of the Bands mania appears to be “spreading like an infectious pop song”. The competition is open to all unsigned bands in KZN irrespective of their performance genre – as long as the music is live and original. Next up on September 9 will be Ingwe Mabala, Johnny Gorgeous, Stain and No Bread for the Crazy

Heats are held in the BAT Centre's Zansi Bar every Thursday at 20h00 through to December 23. “The R10 entrance fee buys an evening on the side of the harbour with four bands playing their hearts out, a DJ dropping funky beats between and after the gigs and a chance to be part of something authentic and full of promise,” says BAT director Henny Baird. The organisers are looking for a band that can make an authentic contribution to the music scene in Durban as well as nationally and internationally. For more information contact Nicola on (031) 332-0451, Fax (031) 332-2213 or e.mail: bat@dbn.lia.net