Abavuki

Abavuki is a group of young musicians from Langa, a township near Cape Town in South Africa. The name "Abavuki", which means "Wake up, early birds!", refers not only to their youth, but also to their philosophy of seizing the moment and getting things done for themselves.

The members all developed a love for music at a young age and started playing with various groups. Towards the end of 2001, they came together and began creating their unique brand of African Jazz. Using marimbas, percussion and brass instruments, they weave traditional African rhythms and melodies into a contemporary format. Their music, with its strong African and Latin American overtones, is very accessible and highly danceable.

In 2009 Abavuki recorded an album of “soul music” covers for Prestige Elite records in the UK. It was a very interesting experience as most of the songs to be recorded were new to them. The album “Africa Got Soul” was subsequently released in the UK.

Media coverage includes a BBC radio documentary on the group which was aired on BBC4, and made a TV documentary for “What’s you Story?”. 

Abavuki performs twice a week at Mama Africa in Long Street, Cape Town.