Operation Khataza is a five-piece collective that makes music too complex, immersive, and experiential to be boxed into a singular genre.
The band leads with too much energy to have a simple answer to “what kind of music do you make?” Operation Khataza leads with presence and energy.
At the helm is Sanele Blaai, also known as Farrah Khataza, a South African all-rounder creative whose musical philosophy is rooted in spiritual connection, community power, and radical self-expression. Ahead of their performance honouring Fela Kuti, we spoke to Sanele about the band’s ethos, influences, and the liberatory force of sound.
“I’m excited, nervous, overwhelmed,” he admits, reflecting on the upcoming show. “It’s one of the biggest crowds we’ve played to, and we’re headlining alongside Kujenga. It’s a dream come true, but also a responsibility. As musicians, we need to be ready to project the artistry we’re meant to give out.”
The performance is more than a gig; it’s a tribute to Fela Kuti, whose legacy looms large in Operation Khataza’s DNA. Sanele’s connection to Fela isn’t about mimicry, but about spirit. “Fela challenged systems. He wanted to be president. He built the Kalakuta Republic. That kind of rebellious energy, rooted in love for your people, is something I carry.”
He explains that his own journey began in the townships of South Africa, particularly Vaal township located in Johannesburg, shaped by soul, jazz, and kwaito. “I grew up with different influences. My band is multicultural, and that came about organically, through community, through friendship. Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a message.”
Operation Khataza’s music is deeply spiritual, but also political. “I started looking at things politically, not to neglect reality. I sing about things that may be deemed controversial: death, injustice, and land. I’m not trying to be marketable. I’m trying to be myself.”
He reflects on the power of music to transcend social structures. “Music reaches ears that guns can’t. It’s a selfless act. Whether you’re from the township, the village, or the suburbs, there’s a song for you in our music.”
The band’s name itself is layered with meaning. “Operation” nods to the political language of apartheid-era South Africa, while “Khataza” is a Zulu term that loosely translates to ‘troublesome’, but in context, it means someone in abundance, someone with charisma, someone who takes up space. “It’s an aura,” Sanele explains. “It’s a name given to a certain kind of person. That rebellious mindset, it’s not about chaos. It’s about claiming what you deserve.”
As the conversation winds down, Sanele offers a final reflection: “I liberate myself through music. I’m not trying to fit into institutions. I’m trying to speak to my people, whether they’re from the township or Germany. Music is a spiritual thing. It’s a global thing. And Operation Khataza is here to take up space.”
