The Beat Goes On: Why You Need to Watch Art Pereira’s YouTube Retrospective

Besides the fact that he’s included our own TMWG in the series, I mean.

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time hanging around the Cape Town music scene, you’ve likely seen Art Pereira behind a kit. He’s the kind of drummer who doesn’t just keep time; he lives it. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing stages and rehearsal rooms with Art in various projects over several years, and I can tell you firsthand: the man is a rhythmic force of nature.

Recently, Art decided to take a trip down memory lane—though, knowing the volume of some of those gigs, it’s a wonder he can still hear the memories at all. He has uploaded an epic 19-part series to YouTube chronicling his journey through the various bands that have defined his career. It is a grand testament to the sheer fun he’s had on the local scene, and a masterclass in how to adapt your style when you’re being pulled in every musical direction at once.

A Masterclass in Versatility

The series is more than just a highlight reel; it’s a record of how diverse his playing has been tested. From the sweaty, high-energy pubs of Observatory to the more polished stages of the City Bowl, Art’s playing has shifted gears more often than a taxi on Kloof Street.

One of the highlights of this digital archive features a project particularly close to my heart: Three More White Guys. (And yes, before you ask, there is a “Long Story” behind that name that usually requires at least two pints to explain.)

The TMWG Years

Art recently shared three tracks from our old setlist. What makes these clips particularly special—and perhaps a little brave—is that he opted to use live versions. There’s no studio magic or “fixing it in the mix” here. It’s raw, it’s real, and it perfectly captures the chemistry we shared.

Watching him lock in on these tracks reminds me of the chaos and the craft that goes into being a working musician in Cape Town. Whether he was navigating a tricky time signature or just trying to keep the cymbals from falling over during a particularly enthusiastic solo, Art’s joy for the instrument always shines through.

If you want to see a genuine slice of Cape Town’s alternative music history, I highly recommend diving into Art’s YouTube channel. It’s a rhythmic odyssey that proves one thing: Art Pereira has definitely earned his stripes (and probably a few noise complaints along the way).