251Afrika

From the year 2017, 251Afrika has been exploring, composing and performing music that draws inspiration from Jazz, modern life experiences and the vast ethnic backgrounds found in South Africa. A 7 piece band with diverse cultural backgrounds that contribute mostly to their sound.

The Jazz band draws inspiration and its influences from musicians from the past, but still relevant to date such as MCcoy Tyner, John Coltrane, Bheki Mseleku, Zim Ngqawana and more, as well as currently active artists such as Nduduzo Makhathini, Afrika Mkhize, The rain makers, Shabaka and the ancestors to mention a few. The band also uses music to foster intercultural relationships, promoting cross cultural relationships, mutual respect, understanding and unity. They are also committed in making a change in their community and becoming role models/inspiration to the
young and old generation.

In a collective quest of learning and experimenting with African music, 251Afrika has had the privilege of performing on some of the great South African Festivals such as The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (2019), Moretele Park Tribute to the Legends Concert (2018), Maropeng Cradle Colour Festival (2018) to mention a few and have also shared stages with artists such as Vusi Nova, Sho Madjozi, Lady Zamar, Skwatta Camp amongst others.

More than the diversity of individual players, the defining characteristic of 251Afrika's music is the joy of learning from each other, performing together in the perpetual push to grow spiritually and creatively. Their music is fresh and familiar at the same time. A fusion of what is gone before, yet a unique melange of what is right now.