The sweet and silly secret behind Bananarama’s band name

Loading player...
Back in the early 1980s, three fun-loving friends in London found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of music, fashion, and possibility. Little did they know their quirky choice of name — “Bananarama” — would follow them for decades, even as they went on to become one of the most successful girl groups of the era.
17 Sep 2025 English South Africa Music History · Entertainment News

Other recent episodes

When success hides the problem: living with a bad record deal

For many artists, the early years of a music career are a whirlwind of excitement — recording songs, touring, and suddenly hearing your music on the radio. Contracts are often signed quickly, sometimes without fully understanding the long-term consequences. And when success arrives, the fine print can feel easy to…
4 Mar 1 min

Rob Thomas – The reluctant rock star who wrote his way to freedom

By 2004, Rob Thomas was already a household name. As the frontman of Matchbox Twenty, he had spent the late ‘90s and early 2000s soundtracking road trips, heartbreaks and late-night radio moments. But behind the polished hits and stadium crowds was a songwriter who still saw himself as the slightly…
18 Feb 1 min

The moment George Michael realised the hits weren’t really his

The Backstory is your exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the songs, artists, and albums featured on this week's Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop on HOT 102.7FM. From iconic comebacks to unforgettable chart-toppers, we dive into the stories that shaped the hits you love.
4 Feb 1 min