Abavuki

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.

Interaction

Abavuki can offer interactive drumming (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!

Configurations: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.

TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you, you guys did an amazing job on Saturday night, you got all 90 international tourists up and dancing they are still talking about the amazing time they had, you made the last night an increadibly memorable night for all of them, thank you so very much!”– Debbi