The much-awaited 340 ML Reunion Tour is fast approaching, reigniting the groove that defined an era. As one of the most influential bands to emerge from Mozambique and take root in South Africa’s music scene, 340 ML carved out a unique sound—an intoxicating fusion of jazz, dub, reggae, and rock. Their music became the heartbeat of a generation, an unmistakable blend of rhythms and melodies that transcended borders and genres.
Now, as they prepare to take the stage once again, they’re not coming alone. The legendary band has unveiled an exciting lineup of special guests, promising a tour that blends nostalgia with fresh energy, introducing their timeless music to a new generation while giving longtime fans a reason to celebrate. But before the tour kicks off, we take a step back to revisit the journey of 340 ML—their rise, their impact, and why their return is a moment worth savouring.
A Legacy That Almost Never Was
It’s almost poetic how 340 ML’s journey started—not in recording studios or underground jam sessions—but in lecture halls. When the four band members—Paulo Jorge Chibanga, Rui Soeiro, Pedro Pinto, and Tiago Correia-Paulo—arrived in Johannesburg in the mid-1990s, they weren’t chasing fame. They were pursuing degrees. Architecture, commerce, psychology, and economics were their chosen fields, but fate had other plans.
Music, however, remained their true calling. From early days in Mozambique to joining a Johannesburg-based band called Panic Orange, their musical chemistry was undeniable. But it wasn’t until the late ’90s that they truly found their voice. Panic Orange dissolved, and from its ashes, 340 ML was born—its name plucked from the volume measurement on a beverage can.
Their debut album, Moving, co-produced by Jazzworx, was a sonic adventure that effortlessly blended dub, reggae, jazz, Brazilian influences, and rock. It was unlike anything else in the South African music landscape at the time. Moving set the foundation for their cult following, but it was their second album, Sorry for the Delay, that cemented their place as icons.
From Then to Now: Why 340 ML Still Matters
340 ML wasn’t just a band—it was a movement. Their music wasn’t bound by genre, expectation, or commercial trends. It resonated with free thinkers, creatives, and anyone who found solace in their hypnotic rhythms. But their journey wasn’t without obstacles. Sorry for the Delay wasn’t just a clever title—it reflected the band’s struggles with multiple break-ins and thefts that left them rebuilding their creative space over and over again.
Despite these setbacks, their music endured. Tracks like “Fairy Tales” and “Midnight” remain timeless, their lyrics and melodies as fresh today as they were in the early 2000s. 340 ML’s ability to fuse introspective storytelling with head-nodding grooves set them apart then—and it’s what makes their return so exciting now.
Legends Never Fade: 340 ML’s Comeback Tour
The 340 ML Reunion Tour promises to be an electrifying celebration of South African music, blending a rich mix of live performances, vibrant DJ sets, and nostalgic moments with one of the country’s most iconic musical acts. Fans can expect an unforgettable fusion of genres, exceptional talent, and an atmosphere brimming with energy as 340 ML reunites with their audience for a tour that will leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
The band has already confirmed the incredibly talented, award-winning Thandiswa Mazwai as a featured guest, bringing her unmatched stage presence and vocal prowess to the tour. Joining her is longtime friend and collaborator Tumi Molekane aka Stogie T, whose lyricism and genre-defying artistry are sure to be a highlight of the show.
The band has already confirmed the incredibly talented, award-winning Thandiswa Mazwai as a featured guest, bringing her unmatched stage presence and vocal prowess to the tour. Joining her is longtime friend and collaborator Tumi Molekane aka Stogie T, whose lyricism and genre-defying artistry are sure to be a highlight of the show.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. A curated selection of some of South Africa’s finest DJs will take the tour to the next level at each stop, ensuring an all-encompassing experience of sound and culture. The lineup includes:
–Kenzhero
–Yolophonik
–Akio
–LOVESLAVEPHOLA
–MAMTHUG
–DWSON
This outdoor, family-friendly celebration kicks off on Saturday, 15 March at the Kromdraai Hub in Joburg, followed by Cape Town’s The Ostrich on Sunday, 16 March from 2-9pm.
A Reunion Worth the Wait
340 ML’s return isn’t just about reliving the past—it’s about reigniting a movement. For those who grew up with their music, this tour is a long-overdue homecoming, a chance to sing along to anthems that shaped their youth. For younger audiences, it’s an introduction to a band that laid the groundwork for much of the alternative soundscapes that exist in today’s South African music scene.
Their legacy proves that great music never fades. It lingers in the air, waiting for the right moment to breathe life into new ears and rekindle old flames. As 340 ML steps back onto the stage, one thing is certain—their groove remains as timeless as ever.
Limited tickets available at HOWLER and are expected to sell out this week.
