South Africa’s iconic satirical ska punk band, Half Price, is back with a powerful message in their latest release, The Forgotten Future. The track, featured on their EP Split Personalities, marks the band’s return to politically charged lyrics after an 18-year hiatus and is accompanied by a striking music video filmed at PROP ART in Cape Town.
Since forming in 2001, Half Price has become a staple in the South African punk scene, known for their energetic performances and sharp satire. Over their 23-year career, the band has released six studio albums, a “best of” compilation through New York-based Punk Outlaw Records, and embarked on multiple tours across South Africa, Namibia, and Europe. They’ve shared the stage with renowned international acts, including Mad Caddies, The Exploited, Alien Ant Farm, and Culture Beat, and have collaborated with local and international punk legends like Fuzigish, Hog Hoggidy Hog, and Terrorgruppe.
With The Forgotten Future, Half Price confronts the harsh reality of South Africa’s failing education system. The song explores the consequences of neglected structural inequalities and the lasting impact on future generations. As the band reflects, “When we started 23 years ago, there was optimism about our country’s future. Today, that vision feels forgotten, especially in our broken education system. If we don’t urgently address this, the next generation will suffer even greater inequalities.“
