Abavuki

Location: Based in Cape Town

Enquiries

Biography

ABAVUKI is a powerful African Jazz & World music outfit from Langa, Cape Town and have been playing their infectious afro-beat marimba grooves since 2001. The eight members in the group, all multi-instrumentalists, are influenced by kwaito, samba, jazz and traditional rhythms, which they translate within a modern format, using marimbas, percussion and brass instruments.

The Xhosa name “abavuki” means ‘Wake up, early birds!’ and this attitude is palpable in Abavuki’s high-energy, uplifting music that not only reflects their youth, but their optimistic outlook on life and their approach to music-making. 

Their vibrant reinterpretation of marimba music, with overlaid brass instruments, is a funky addition to the genre, and resounds because it is testimony to the resilience of South Africans and the redemption the country has found in music in its path to reconciliation.

MEMBERS

The group consists of Andile Makubalo, Bongani Ngesi, Thando Sishuba, Thulani Mtyi, Miyo Sakabula, Sabu Jiyana, Kim Masala & Gaz Matsila

DISCOGRAPHY

  • Decade - 2012
  • Africa got Soul - 2009
  • Live in China – 200
  • African Rhythms – 2004

International Noteworthy Performances

  • Completed two-month tour of Europe (June-Aug 2015), where they performed at the following festivals :
    - Ethno Port, Poznan, Poland
    - Respect Festival, Prague, Czech Rep
    - Oerol, Terschelling, the Netherlands
    - Houtfestival, Haarlem, the Netherlands
    - Fusion-Festival, Larz, Germany
    - Afrikafestival, Hertme, the Netherlands
    - Zomer van Antwerpen, Belgium
    - Colours of Ostrava, Czech Rep
    - Okarina Etno Festival, Bled, Slovenia
    - Festival der Kulturen, Augsburg, Germany
    - Folk Holidays, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Czech Rep
    - Bardentreffen, Nürnberg, Germany
  • Resident band for 2 months on the Viking Line ferry between Sweden and Finland - 2010
  • Travelled to China in 2006, where they spent a week in each of Urumqi, Xi’ning and Beijing. Their second album “Live in China” was recorded in Xi’ing.

Noteworthy Performances

  • Voorkamerfest, Darling 2015
  • Selected to perform at Womex2014 and Visa For Music 2014
  • Rocking the Daisies 2013
  • “Africa Connect” festival 2013
  • World Music festival in Cape Town  2012
  • Featured in BBC4 documentary with Midge Ure (ex Ultravox) – 2009
  • Commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary – 2009

Client Feedback

It went brilliantly and they were amazing!!! Thank you!!
Anne Mann Wedding Co-Ordination

Photo Gallery

Sound Clips

Videos

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Downloads

BUDGET INDICATOR

Budget Range for Abavuki is

R10000 - R15000

BOOKING ENQUIRY

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Enquiries


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