A six-member punk band composed of women over 50 from South Wales is gaining attention for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics. Known as NaNaz, the group addresses topics such as pension inequality, care home costs, and environmental concerns through their music. Their debut EP, titled NaNafesto, was released recently, marking the band’s formal entrance into the punk scene.

NaNaz formed after meeting through a community workshop designed to encourage older women to engage with music. The members come from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, foster care, and ice-cream van driving, and now balance their varied professional and personal responsibilities with their musical pursuits. Their story challenges common stereotypes about age and creativity in the music industry, demonstrating a growing interest in older women reclaiming punk as a platform for expression.

The group is currently preparing for their first international show, scheduled to take place in New York City. Their rise follows earlier fictional portrayals of older women in punk music, such as the BBC drama *Riot Women*, which depicted a band of menopausal women. While that series faced criticism for its portrayal of older female musicians, the real-life experience of NaNaz offers a compelling example of the genre’s continuing relevance and adaptability.

By combining punk’s characteristic rebellious spirit with themes relevant to their generation, NaNaz highlights ongoing social issues through a fresh lens. Their approach resonates with audiences keen on seeing diverse voices represented in alternative music scenes. As they prepare to take their act overseas, NaNaz exemplifies how music can serve as both a form of activism and community building across age boundaries.