Abavuki

ABAVUKI are a powerful African Jazz 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.

Born and raised in Langa, Cape Town, they are using their love of music and performance to rise above their circumstances and to help others do the same.

Career Achievement Highlights

Performed at the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak, Malaysia 2017

Performed at the Voorkamerfest, Darling 2015

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, Nám?š? nad Oslavou, Czech Rep

Bardentreffen, Nürnberg, Germany

Selected to perform at Womex2014 and Visa For Music 2014

Performed at Rocking the Daisies 2013

Part of the “Africa Connect” festival 2013

Performed at the World Music festival in Cape Town  2012

Resident band for 2 months on the Viking Line ferry between Sweden and Finland - 2010

Featured in BBC4 documentary with Midge Ure (ex Ultravox) – 2009