Abavuki – Cape Town’s premier Afro-Fusion Ensemble – celebrate a milestone anniversary with a Reconciliation Day concert in Langa!
You are in for an absolute treat on Thursday 16 December, as Cape Town’s favourite Afro-fusion world music ensemble Abavuki celebrate the phenomenal milestone of 20 years together! The occasion will see a festive afternoon with food, drinks & craft stalls to complement the musical offering at the outdoor amphitheatre of the newly re-opened Guga s’Thebe Cultural Centre in Langa, hosted by Jazz in the Native Yards and Arte Viva Management.
Abavuki’s very first gig was on 2 December 2001, at the annual Switching on of the Lights on the Grand Parade, and their light continues to shine brightly. Their popular music style sees traditional African instruments (drums, percussion & marimbas) overlaid with brass (trumpet / saxophone / trombone) to create their unique, vibrant & contemporary Mzansi sound, firmly based on African music principles & influenced by kwaito, jazz and Latin American rhythms.
Their live performances have been described as “absolutely incredible”, “riveting” and “the most energetic band I have ever seen!”
The music has deep roots though and Abavuki are a profoundly connected musical brotherhood, with all the talented multi-instrumentalists hailing from Langa. Cape Town radio personality Jeremy van Wyk had this to say after watching their last concert: “There’s something special they bring to the stage, a certain atmosphere that is very warm. They are sincere, they want peace, they want prosperity, for everyone, and that comes across.”
Abavuki are internationally known and have played their vivacious upbeat grooves in 13 countries to date, including the Netherlands, Algeria, Germany and China. They have performed for crowds of up to 40 000 people, and their connection to rhythm, joy and life resonates easily across cultures to bring people together and get everyone dancing! They are looking forward to further international tour dates in 2022 / 2023, as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, with announcements due as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
The party continues in South Africa though, and with Reconciliation Day marking the start of the festive season, there is no better way to celebrate than with this feel good band.
All Covid protocols will be observed, and of course the concert is outdoors which makes it even safer. Says band member Sabu Jiyana, “We are looking forward to a fantastic concert with all the fans and friends that have accompanied us on this journey! It’s going to be a wonderful day in Langa celebrating Abavuki’s 20 Year Anniversary!”
WHAT: Abavuki – 20th Anniversary Celebration
WHERE: Guga s’Thebe Cultural Centre, King Langalibalele Avenue,, Langa, Cape Town, 7455
WHEN: Reconciliation Day, Thursday 16 December. Doors open at 14h00, Concert starts at 16h00
TICKETS: R120 at the door / R60 Students & Pensioners. Bookings: Luvuyo T 060 960 8935
INFO: Visit | Facebook: | Instagram: i #Abavuki, #Abavuki20Years
Abavuki – 20th Anniversary Celebration Line-up:
Sabu Jiyana – marimbas, mbira, percussion & vocals
Kim Masala – marimbas, percussion & vocals
Thando Sishuba – trumpet & vocals
Miyo Sakabula – congas & vocals
Ndima Makubalo – percussion & vocals
Bongani Ngesi – marimbas, percussion & vocals.
Guests:
Sicelo Gaqiso – marimbas & percussion
Alizwa Tyala – trumpet
