ABAVUKI
AFRO-fusion world music ENSEMBLE
Photo by Jeffrey Abrahams 2021
BAND PROFILE
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.
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, 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 a worldwide tour in 2023/2024 to commemorate this milestone.
LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES:
- Festive Lights Switch On, Cape Town (80 000 people) - 2022
- Global Livestream / launch of #Abavuki20years anniversary celebrations and #Abavuki20yearsWorldTour
- 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
DISCOGRAPHY:
One Summer in Europe - 2015
Decade - 2012
Africa got Soul - 2009
Live in China – 2006
African Rhythms – 2004
AWARDS & MENTIONS:
- Winner of IMEXSA 2015 Export of the Year
- Commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary
BAND MEMBERS:
Andile "Ndima" Makubalo
Bongani Ngesi
Thando Sishuba
Sabu Jiyana
Kim Masala
Manager: Nikki Froneman
Rest in Peace:
Gaz Matsila & Thulani Mtyi (band members)
Beverley Gough (band manager 2001-2019).
SHOWS
Configurations
Abavuki is a 6-8 piece band. 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.
Interaction
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!
Technical
Abavuki bring all their own acoustic instruments for local engagements.
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.
Technical Rider (National & International) - Download
Technical Rider (Cape Town) - Download