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

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Abavuki are renowned as spectacular live performers and have played their original tunes in 13 countries to date, including festivals in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Algeria, and China.  

They have performed for crowds of up to 80 000 people, showcasing and sharing their connection to rhythm, joy and life, 

resonating easily across cultures to bring people together and get everyone dancing!

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These talented multi-instrumentalists play traditional African instruments (drums, percussion & marimbas) overlaid with brass (trumpet & trombone) to create their unique, vibrant & contemporary Mzansi sound, firmly based on African music principles & influenced by kwaito, jazz and Latin American rhythms.

 

The Xhosa 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  and their approach to music-making.

 

In December 2023, Abavuki celebrated 22 years of playing together and released their sixth album, The Right Key, on 10 November 2024.

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"Abavuki are the most energetic band I have ever seen... they weave traditional African rhythms and melodies into a contemporary format which is highly accessible to a wide audience.  Their high-energy style of music is uplifting and very danceable."

- Davy Sims, Media Producer & ex-BBC Editor

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LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES:

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- The Right Key - Album Launch, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - 2024 ​

- Producers of Ingoma, The Song of Africa, with 8 dancers, performed on various international cruise liners - 2024 - 2025

- Langa Centenary, SA - 2023

- Festive Lights Switch On, Cape Town (80 000 people) - 2022

- Global Livestream - 2021

- Opening of the Cape Epic Race – 2020

- Bazique Festival - 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 (40 000 people)- 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 week in each of Urumqi, Xi’ning and Beijing. Their second album “Live in China” was recorded in Xi’ing.

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

 

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DISCOGRAPHY:

 

The Right Key - 2024

One Summer in Europe - 2015

Decade - 2012

Africa got Soul - 2009

Live in China – 2006

African Rhythms – 2002

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AWARDS & MENTIONS:

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- Winner of IMEXSA 2015 Export of the Year

- Commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary

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BAND MEMBERS:

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Sabu Jiyana | marimbas, mbira, percussion & vocals
Kim Masala | marimbas, percussion & vocals
Thando Sishuba | trumpet & vocals
Ndima Makubalo | percussion & vocals
Bongani Ngesi | marimbas, percussion & vocals
Alizwa Tyala | trumpet & vocals (regular guest)

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Manager: Nikki Froneman

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Previous Members:

Miyo Sakabula

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Rest in Peace:

Gaz Matsila & Thulani Mtyi (band members)

Beverley Gough (band manager 2001-2019).

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