Abavuki

Location: Based in Cape Town

Biography

ABAVUKI is a powerful African Jazz & World music outfit from Langa, Cape Town and have been playing their infectious afro-beat marimba grooves since 2001. The eight members in the group, all multi-instrumentalists, are influenced by kwaito, samba, jazz and traditional rhythms, which they translate within a modern format, using marimbas, percussion and brass instruments.

The Xhosa name “abavuki” means ‘Wake up, early birds!’ and this attitude is palpable in Abavuki’s high-energy, uplifting music that not only reflects their youth, but their optimistic outlook on life and their approach to music-making.

Their vibrant reinterpretation of marimba music, with overlaid brass instruments, is a funky addition to the genre, and resounds because it is testimony to the resilience of South Africans and the redemption the country has found in music in its path to reconciliation.

MEMBERS

The group consists of Andile Makubalo, Bongani Ngesi, Thando Sishuba, Thulani Mtyi, Miyo Sakabula, Sabu Jiyana, Kim Masala & Gaz Matsila

DISCOGRAPHY

Decade - 2012
Africa got Soul - 2009
Live in China – 200
African Rhythms – 2004

International Noteworthy Performances

Completed two-month tour of Europe (June-Aug 2015), where they performed at the following festivals :
- Ethno Port, Poznan, Poland
- Respect Festival, Prague, Czech Rep
- Oerol, Terschelling, the Netherlands
- Houtfestival, Haarlem, the Netherlands
- Fusion-Festival, Larz, Germany
- Afrikafestival, Hertme, the Netherlands
- Zomer van Antwerpen, Belgium
- Colours of Ostrava, Czech Rep
- Okarina Etno Festival, Bled, Slovenia
- Festival der Kulturen, Augsburg, Germany
- Folk Holidays, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Czech Rep
- Bardentreffen, Nürnberg, Germany
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.

Noteworthy Performances

Voorkamerfest, Darling 2015
Selected to perform at Womex2014 and Visa For Music 2014
Rocking the Daisies 2013
“Africa Connect” festival 2013
World Music festival in Cape Town 2012
Featured in BBC4 documentary with Midge Ure (ex Ultravox) – 2009
Commissioned to record “Africa got Soul” to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary – 2009

Client Feedback

It went brilliantly and they were amazing!!! Thank you!!
Anne Mann Wedding Co-Ordination

Photo Gallery

Click on the thumbnails above to view large images

Sound Clips

Sunset Lobolo Take 5 Vuyani

Videos

Video 1 of 2 (click the dots)

Video 2 of 2 (click the dots)

Downloads

Biography

BUDGET INDICATOR

Below budget range is merely a guide; you will receive an exact quote based on your unique event details upon enquiring

Budget Range for Abavuki is

R10000 - R15000

BOOKING ENQUIRY

Submit a booking enquiry directly with Abavuki, and the Artist or their manager / representative will be in touch with you soon!

Should you be unsure about which acts to enquire with, you can choose to SEND GIGSTER YOUR EVENT DETAILS and we will forward your enquiry to up to 5 suitable acts.