ABAVUKI
AFRO-fusion world music ENSEMBLE
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 2021, Abavuki will celebrate 20 years of playing together and are working on the release of a new album and a worldwide tour in late 2021 / 2022 to commemorate this milestone. With the pandemic gradually being brought under control in many countries, and opportunities for touring opening up slowly, Abavuki feels the time is right to truly celebrate the band, their music and all those who have formed part of the journey, with a spectacular 20th anniversary tour.
LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES:
- 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 - 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
Miyo Sakabula
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.