Abavuki

Abavuki are an invigorating Afro-Fusion World Music Ensemble from Langa, Cape Town, who have been playing their upbeat grooves across SA and internationally since 2001.

These talented multi-instrumentalists play traditional African instruments (drums, percussion & marimbas) overlaid with brass (trumpet & sax / trombone). Their unique, vibrant & contemporary Mzansi sound is firmly based on African music principles & influenced by kwaito, jazz and Latin American rhythms. Hugely popular amongst local and international fans, Abavuki's music is testimony to the joy that can be found in daily life and a celebration of resilience and friendship.

The isiXhosa name “Abavuki” means ‘Wake up, early birds!’ and this attitude is palpable in Abavuki’s energetic & uplifting music that reflects the band's optimistic outlook on life, despite hailing from challenging backgrounds, and their approach to music-making.

In December 2022, Abavuki celebrated 21 years of playing together and are working on the release of a new album and, with all markets now open, increased touring in from 2023 onwards.
Abavuki are working to leverage their past success and touring achievements into the next phase of the band’s development.

These achievements include
- winning multiple awards including the IMEXSA 2015 Export of the Year,
- releasing five albums,
- being selected for Womex 2014 & Visa For Music 2014,
- performing at top local & international festivals
- touring Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and more) & China,
- being commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary
- and many more.

Core Band Members:
Andile Makubalo, Bongani Ngesi, Thando Sishuba, Sabu Jiyana & Kim Masala.

LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES:
- Festive Lights Switch On, Cape Town - 2022 (80 000 people)
- Global Livestream / launch of #Abavuki20years anniversary celebrations - 2021
- Opening of the Cape Epic Race - 2020
- Bazique Festival, SA - 2019
- Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak, Malaysia - 2017
- Voorkamerfest, Darling - 2015
- Ethno Port, Poznan, Poland - 2015
- Respect Festival, Prague, Czech Rep - 2015
- Oerol, Terschelling, the Netherlands - 2015
- Houtfestival, Haarlem, the Netherlands - 2015
- Fusion-Festival, Larz, Germany - 2015
- Afrikafestival, Hertme, the Netherlands - 2015
- Zomer van Antwerpen, Belgium - 2015
- Colours of Ostrava, Czech Rep - 2015
- Okarina Etno Festival, Bled, Slovenia - 2015
- Festival der Kulturen, Augsburg, Germany - 2015
- Folk Holidays, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Czech Rep - 2015
- Bardentreffen, Nürnberg, Germany - 2015
- Private shows, Algeria - 2014
- “Africa Connect” festival - 2013
- Rocking the Daisies - 2013
- World Music festival in Cape Town - 2012
- Resident band for 2 months on the Viking Line ferry between Sweden and Finland - 2010
- Travelled to China in 2006, where they spent a...