Arapaho was a rock band formed in Durban in the early 1990s
born out of a group of friends frustrated by poor surfing conditions on North Beach. Led by keyboardist and songwriter Gavin Meiring and lead guitarist/vocalist Alistair Murdoch, the band started jamming in Murdoch’s vegetable business premises, a space ideal for making noise without complaints. Their music captured a raw, energetic vibe, reflecting their beach culture roots.
Their first song, “Wild Warrior,” inspired by the Arapaho tribe, gained traction after being picked up by DJ Pedro Carlo at Hard Rock Café. This led to a demo being sent to Universal in Johannesburg, catching the attention of Gary Finch. By late 1995, Arapaho recorded 18–20 songs live in the studio, resulting in their debut album Wicked Wonder. They signed a three-album, five-year contract and quickly rose to fame, becoming a notable act in South Africa’s rock scene.
Arapaho supported major international acts like Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, performing at massive gigs, including two Johannesburg shows with over 60,000 attendees each. They also played at the Prince’s Trust concert, meeting Prince Charles. Their second album, Half a Mile from Eden, was a highlight, recorded in an intense two-week session. The band’s carefree attitude and focus on fun set them apart, though they disbanded after two albums. Their music remains influential in South African rock circles, with members like Alistair Murdoch now in Cape Town and Gavin Meiring managing Heart 104.9 radio.
when we made our own music locally 10/10