The Dynamics

Biography

The Dynamics is a South African band formed in early 1983 in a Yeoville rooftop apartment in Johannesburg by drummer Steve Howells (ex-Asylum Kids) and bassist/keyboardist Jimmy Florence, who sought an outlet for his songwriting after previous band experiences. The original lineup included Harvey Roberts and Paul Goodwin on tenor saxophones, and Herbert 'Bucks' Jawuza on bass and keyboards. They quickly recorded their debut cassette-only album, It's The Dynamics, at Downtown Studios, produced by Ian Osrin and the band, with only 250 copies produced, capturing their energetic fusion of rock, jazz, and mbaqanga influences.[1][4]

The band evolved through three phases with shifting lineups, incorporating veteran mbaqanga saxophonist Winston Nyaunda, who replaced Paul Goodwin and added vibrant alto sax and dance routines, making them favorites at events like the University of the Witwatersrand's Free People's Concerts. After Jimmy Florence moved to Cape Town, phase two ended, leading to a Cape Town incarnation with members like Rob Whiteing on bass, Tom Fox/Alex Bozas on guitar, Doug Armstrong on trumpet, Ampie Omo on trombone, and Heather Howells and Louis Raubenheimer on tenor saxes. They reunited briefly in 1993-1994 and later recorded the independent album Organic in Cape Town, blending old and new material, though their modest releases belied their live popularity on the alternative scene.[1]

The Dynamics' musical style blended rock, jazz, mbaqanga, and funk, praised as 'timeless' by Jonathan Handley of Radio Rats. Their legacy endures through influential live performances and rare recordings, representing Johannesburg's vibrant 1980s alternative rock scene despite lineup changes and limited commercial output.[1][4]

Fun Facts

• The band formed in a maid's room on a Yeoville rooftop apartment, born from Steve Howells' disillusionment after Asylum Kids' implosion and Jimmy Florence's search for a creative outlet.[1]
• Only 250 cassette copies of their debut album It's The Dynamics were produced due to cost constraints, now a rare collector's item.[1]
• Winston Nyaunda's 'crazy dance routines' helped make them a 'firm favourite on the jol' (party scene).[1]
• Jonathan Handley of Radio Rats called their music 'timeless,' inspiring the third Cape Town phase.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ian Osrin - Producer for debut album (It's The Dynamics (1983)) [1983]

Key Collaborators

• Steve Howells - Core founding drummer (All phases, including It's The Dynamics and Organic) [1983-1994]
• Jimmy Florence - Core bassist/keyboardist and songwriter (All phases, including It's The Dynamics and Organic) [1983-1994]
• Winston Nyaunda - Alto saxophonist, mbaqanga veteran adding vibrancy (Phase two recordings and live shows) [1983 onward]
• Harvey Roberts - Tenor saxophonist in original lineup (It's The Dynamics) [1983]
• Richard Mitchell - Engineer for debut album (It's The Dynamics (1983)) [1983]

External Links

• Spotify