Abavuki

ABAVUKI are a powerful African Jazz 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: Andile Makubalo, Bongani Ngesi, Thando Sishuba, Thulani Mtyi, Miyo Sakabula, Sabu Jiyana, Kim Masala & Gaz Matsila

Career Achievement Highlights

Performed at the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak, Malaysia 2017

Performed at the Voorkamerfest, Darling 2015

Completed two-month tour of Europe (June-Aug 2015)

Selected to perform at Womex2014 and Visa For Music 2014

Performed at Rocking the Daisies 2013

Part of the “Africa Connect” festival 2013

Performed at the World Music festival in Cape Town 2012

Resident band for 2 months on the Viking Line ferry between Sweden and Finland - 2010

Featured in BBC4 documentary with Midge Ure (ex Ultravox) – 2009

Discography:

One Summer in Europe - 2015

Decade - 2012

Africa got Soul - 2009

Live in China – 2006

African Rhythms – 2004