BAND PROFILE

Abavuki are an Afro-Fusion World Music Ensemble from Langa, Cape Town, and have been playing their infectious upbeat grooves across SA and internationally since 2001. 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 high-energy, uplifting music that reflects the band's optimistic outlook on life and their approach to music-making.

Winners of multiple awards including the IMEXSA 2015 Export of the Year, Abavuki have released various albums, performed at top local & international festivals including being selected for Womex 2014, toured Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and more) & China, and a career highlight, were commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary.

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SHOWS

Configurations

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Abavuki is a 6 - 8 piece band, but smaller configurations are available on request.  The band also works with local African dancers, both traditional & street dance, and can offer a music and dance show suited to any event, from duo to 20+ performers on stage.

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Interaction

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Abavuki can offer interactive drumming / teaching (with additional drums provided for the audience).

They also do a dance called the Abavuki shuffle which they have performed all over the world and SA, and is great for getting a crowd involved!

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Technical

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Abavuki bring all their own acoustic instruments.  Abavuki use 3 marimbas (bass, tenor & soprano), a set of congas, a set of bongos, bass drum, djembe, talking drum, trumpet, trombone, mbira and various percussion instruments.

If the space / crowd requires it, they can make use of 8 x vocal mics and PA. 

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