The NaNaz — South Wales’ Riot Women of Punk
The NaNaz are an all-female punk/alt rock collective from Newport, South Wales, known for proving that punk has no age limit. The NaNaz were born out of community punk music workshops for women over 50 in Newport, Gwent — and quickly became a riot in motion.
Blending punk, alt-rock, raw honesty and sharp humour, they prove attitude has no age limit. Fuelled by fearless energy, loud guitars, unapologetic lyricism and huge personality, The NaNaz have caused mayhem across South Wales, England, and now New York after playing Loud Women NYC. Their sound is loud, honest, chaotic and made to be felt as much as heard.
With members spanning generations, they tear up expectations and redefine what a punk band looks like — bringing community, creativity and rebellion to every stage they hit. Their growing story has already led to major press attention and a BBC Our Lives documentary.
“A punk uprising wrapped in laughter: The NaNaz are melodic, mischievous and impossible to ignore.” — Repeat Records
Origins and Inspiration
The group began as part of a grassroots initiative to give older women a creative outlet, with no prior experience or instruments required. Participants included former nurses, foster carers, and ice-cream van drivers, all united by a love of music and a desire to perform The Guardian. The name “NaNaz” came after a lineup change, and the band now features a mix of new and experienced female musicians Green Gathering Festival.
Debut Single — “60 Lies”
Their first single, “60 Lies”, was released in September 2025 and produced by Jeff Rose of Skindred loudwomen.org+1. The track supports the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, addressing the injustice faced by 3 million women who lost up to five years of pension entitlement. The song is a sharp, hook-laden protest anthem that channels fury, humour, and unapologetic truth-telling loudwomen.org+1.
Music and Style
The NaNaz’s sound is loud, honest, and unapologetic, mixing punk urgency with art-rock sophistication. Their repertoire tackles social issues — from pensions and menopause to recycling and care home fees — alongside personal and political themes The Guardian. They’ve been featured on guitar.com’s homepage and in Age Cymru’s poster campaign The Guardian.
Live Performances
Since their formation, they’ve played sold-out shows in Newport, Cardiff, and Swansea, and have 13 gigs and festival dates booked for 2026 Green Gathering Festival. Their headline Cardiff show is set for 24 October 2025 at The Canopi, with support from Scare Bears and Daisy Green loudwomen.org+1.
Why They Matter
The NaNaz are often called the real-life “Riot Women” — a nod to the BBC drama Riot Women — and are seen as a zeitgeist moment for women over 50 in the punk scene. They embody the DIY ethos, community spirit, and fearless attitude that punk has always championed loudwomen.org+1.
In short: The NaNaz are a riot in motion — a generation-defying punk force using music to tell their truth, inspire others, and prove that attitude, creativity, and noise have no expiry date.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Anne-Marie is the band 'agitator' and writes & sings many of our songs about her social observations as well as plays bass. She has a lot to say, and you're going to know about it!
Claire is another of our song writers & singers, she also plays rhythm guitar, manages our merch and is band treasurer.
Beccy is a powerful singer and great blues guitarist, she's also super talented at sewing, felting and other crafts and runs Buzybees at Trafalgar House in Newport.
Deb is the viola player, she enjoys harmonising with the others, both musically & otherwise, she also deals with a lot of the band admin. Another crafty one, she's worked with costumes for TV and theatre and also has a side line making sustainable clothes art & accessories.
Marega (currently en route back from France) is the performance artist & creative genius of the band, she's also one of our song-writers & singers & plays all the instruments and more!
