Rhythm Legacy

 Rhythm Legacy 

" The Band ' Without Music ', Yet Full of Sound "

At 10:30 AM on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, something special happened. 

A band that had only been together for a month walked into the studio without a single instrument and somehow filled the room with more music than strings, drums, or keys ever could. That band is Rhythm Legacy , one of Cape Town’s freshest and most exciting new live acts. Known for blending everything from jazz and soul to funk, pop, reggae, and Afrobeat, they’re already making waves across the South African music scene.

Yet, when they arrived at Bush Radio, they brought no instruments. Just themselves, their stories, and their legacy in the making. The presenter laughed: “They said those things are heavy!” It was the perfect icebreaker , and just like that, The Band Without Music gave listeners their first real taste of who they are.

Meet the Legacy

The six members introduced themselves proudly on air:

James Juke – founder, vocalist, and Manenberg native, who originally started out on drums and piano before finding his voice.

Aiden – guitarist and vocalist from Heideveld, who first picked up a guitar out of boredom in high school. He and James actually played in their very first band together.

Carlton “The Grooves” Peterson – drummer, also from Heideveld, who was recruited at school because “no one else was willing to play.” His resilience has since turned into rhythm.

Ronin Coetzee – bassist, who started out as “just a listener.” His family’s support, including buying him his first bass guitar, gave him the confidence to groove his way into the band.

Neaton Adams – lead guitarist from Manenberg, bringing smooth strings and soulful energy.

Keanan Adams  – keyboardist from Manenberg, who joined the Mod Center music program after his twin brother nudged him along.

Together, they form a brotherhood of sound that feels bigger than their short time as an official group.

The Mod Center: Their Common Ground

A thread that runs through every member’s story is the Mod Center, a government after-school program that gave many of them their first taste of music. James, Aiden, and Carlton all cut their teeth there, with Aiden even coaching younger musicians later on. Ronan discovered the bass through the program, while Keenan followed his twin brother to join classes there. It’s a powerful reminder that community spaces like these can spark lifelong passions — and even create bands like Rhythm Legacy.

Family, Home, and Noise

One of the lighter moments of the interview came when the presenter asked how families responded to all the noise of practice. Aiden laughed that he makes “more noise now than back then.” Carlton admitted he joined just because the band desperately needed a drummer. Ronan shared how supportive his family was, even getting him his first bass and helping with transport. And Keenan… well, he nearly missed his start in music because he was “too busy eating” when his brother first suggested classes!. It’s these small, human stories that make the band so relatable.

A Legacy in Motion

Despite being just a month old, Rhythm Legacy already feels like something bigger than the sum of its parts. Their chemistry is undeniable, their passion unshakable.When asked about their beginnings, James explained how it all started with him needing a backing band for a performance on Espresso. The group stepped in, nailed the show, and then asked themselves the obvious question: “Why not actually be a band?”. Now, with Bush Radio as their first-ever radio interview, Rhythm Legacy is ready to carve out their place in Cape Town’s proud music history — especially with Manenberg’s rich legacy of jazz and live performance echoing behind them.

The Band Without Music, But Full of Heart

In the end, it didn’t matter that they showed up at Bush Radio without instruments. Their stories, their laughter, their bond, and their vision filled the airwaves. They might have walked into the studio as The Band Without Music, but they walked out as a band with a legacy already in the making. Bush Radio was there at 10:30 AM to capture the very beginning of their journey.

👉Keep tuning in to Bush Radio 89.5 FM for more moments like this, where Cape Town’s next generation of music finds its voice , with or without the instruments in hand.

Written by: Faith Marman