SOUTH AFRICAN / AFRICAN INSPIRED BANDS
Below you will find a selection of our South African / African inspired bands. These artists generally have a high profile, and should be booked as one of the main attractions of your event / show. We have many more African groups (African choirs, marimba and drumming groups, etc) available for background music engagements; for more information please go to our African section.
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AFRICAN JAZZ PIONEERS
Based in Johannesburg
The history of the African Jazz Pioneers stretches back to the 1950's, when jazz was the fashion and big bands were the name of the game. The late Ntemi Edmund Piliso, leader and founding member of AJP, nourished the group from their humble roots to their current international acclaim. The sound of the Pioneers derives from Marabi and evolved to include the instrumental sound of the big swing bands of Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. .MORE |
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ABAKHAYA - AFRICAN MARIMBA BAND
Based in Johannesburg
Abakhaya, in Xhosa meaning "the ones from the homestead", was formed in 1998 in Cape Town. The band, consisting of 6 members (5 instrumentalists and one trained opera singer), plays high energy marimba and percussion in an African style, yet their repertoire consists of tunes from Verdi to Miriam Makeba. Abakhaya has set the marimba free from its traditional enclaves by combining traditional African music with modern pop and jazz sounds. More |
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ABAQONDISI BROTHERS
Based in Cape Town
In a small Township of Stellenbosch emerged a 12 member acapella music group, Abaqondisi Brothers (Brothers of Understanding). Since establishment in 1992, they always wow the crowds with their magical voices whenever they perform. More |
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AFRO FIESTA
Based in Cape Town
This popular Afro-Jazz / reggae fusion band have been headlining many Cape Town music festivals, and is a strong drawcard at local Afro-Jazz clubs, but they had humble beginnings... Back in the eighties band leader Mermans Kenkosenki felt he had to leave hisCongolese home town of Kinshasa in order to express himself as a musician. At the age of 19 he went to Angola, where he taught himself to play the drums and joined a struggling reggae band. More |
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ALAN FUNK
Based in Cape Town
With a sparkling, dynamic style all of their own, AlanFunk have made the Cape Town music scene sit up and take notice in the short few months they’ve been on the circuit.
Difficult to pin down to a specific genre, the band - comprised of a diverse group both in age and background – have incorporated elements of Afro-funk, 70s American funk, township jive, rock and soul into a unique and distinctive, yet wholly South African, sound that has drawn acclaim from audiences wherever they have played. MORE |
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BLUE AFRICAN SKIES
Based in Cape Town
A proudly Capetonian group, Blue African Skies was formed in June 2003. The group have pioneered a unique style that fuses traditional Pan African sounds with cutting edge urban Pop culture. Blue African Skies is comprised of Ragga emcee Khanyisa Boto A.K.A Bagga, the divinely sugar coated vocals of Linda Mali A.K.A Miss Mali as well as the man behind the music, producer and emcee Simon Sibanda A.K.A Ghetto Child of Slam Productions. More |
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CHILLI 'N LIME
Based in Johannesburg
Chilli & Lime is a dynamic young jazz outfit that has recently started making waves on the local music scene. This innovative new collaboration of Johannesburg’s finest talent draws on a fusion of styles including Latino, funk, African Favourites and traditional jazz. MORE |
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CODA
Based in Cape Town
Electric strings, African vocals and DJ come together to combine the old, or traditional, and the new. The trio of electric violin, electric cello and African voice is showcased against a backdrop of exhilarating live sampling to create pure musical magic on stage. The show includes original works in the genre of Buddha Bar and Café Del Mar - Ambient music that explores the depth and range of the electric cello, violin and voice - as well as upbeat, virtuoso repertoire that showcases the skill and talent of the performers and draws on influences of Dance, House and Kwaito. MORE |
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DR VICTOR AND THE RASTA REBELS
Based in Johannesburg
This celebrated band, who in their earlier career they backed local stars Lucky Dube and Yvonne Chaka Chaka on European tours, entertain with their mix of original hits and covers. More |
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ERNESTINE DEANE
Based in Cape Town
Affectionately known to her fans as ‘Ernie’, Ernestine Deane gained huge popularity in South Africa as lead vocalist for live hip-hop supergroup, Moodphase5ive.
Having released two albums with the band, Steady On and in Superdeluxe Mode, she independently released her debut solo album, Dub for Mama. MORE
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freshlyground
Based in Cape Town
Fast becoming South Africa's top celebtrity band, freshlyground is a 7-piece eclectic ensemble with diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, and the band’s unique sound reflects this. Their music is original and energetic with a ‘fresh mix’ of musical styles and influences - from indigenous African folk music and jazz, to contemporary. MORE |
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HOT WATER
Based in Cape Town
HOT WATER is fronted by talented singer-songwriter and facilitator Donovan Copley. It is collaborative band drawing on the talents of a diverse group of musicians to create dynamic and entertaining acoustic groove music with its roots in Africa. A central essence and vibe is maintained while appropriate musical collaborations are selected for each particular gig. MORE
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KWANI EXPERIENCE
Based in Johannesburg
KWANI EXPERIENCE is an 8-piece band hailing from the inner city of Johannesburg – fit for the ‘Jozi Band’ title. A diverse and groundbreaking outfit, their sound, the MUDALAND FUNK is similarly hip like their name [from the ZULU (“kwa Ini” meaning “of what?)” They create a unique fusion of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop-Poetry and modern-urban Traditional African flavors with some experimental touches. Indefinable, they do something quite unique in this country, whilst keeping the music real and accessible. MORE |
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LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Based in Durban
It is Ladysmith Black Mambazo who has come to represent the traditional culture of South Africa. They are regarded as South Africa's cultural emissaries at home and around the world. Mambazo sang again at President Mandela's inauguration in May of 1994. They are a national treasure of the new South Africa in part because they embody the traditions suppressed in the old South Africa.. More |
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LOADING ZONE
Based in Cape Town
Loading Zone started performing in Johannesburg, backing Brenda Fassie in 1990. Soon after, they were offered their first independent gig to perform at Kippies, at the Market Theatre. Soon thereafter they secured a residency at one of the funkiest clubs at the time, the Cotton Pub in Hillbrow. Although the group was doing mostly covers then, the public enjoyed the youthful and energetic renditions of music by Al Jarreau, Djavan, Tania Maria, and the likes. MORE |
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MAFIKIZOLO
Based in Johannesburg
Mafikizolo are part of South Africa’s kwaito explosion. Their name may mean 'new kids on the block, who just arrived yesterday' in Zulu, but Mafikizolo are no newcomers. This vibrant, stylish group that created a delicious dance brew by mixing old and new South African sounds, have released seven hit filled Afro Pop albums, sold over a million copies, and picked up countless awards, which makes them one of the biggest groups in South Africa. MORE |
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MAISHA
Based in Durban
The band Maisha (which means “Life” in Swahili) is hot on the gig trail in and around KZN. The band consists of 7 members from various genres of music. Maisha’s music is of the World style and ranges from Afro ballads to more up-tempo rhythmic songs that are guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing. Songs are sung in English, Zulu, Swahili and French and cover topics very relevant to South African and African life at present .MORE |
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MANGO GROOVE
Based in Johannesburg
SA's legendary and trend setting Afro-pop band is performing! Mango Groove was formed in 1983 in Johannesburg, South Africa and fronted by lead singer Claire Johnston. They have sold more than 700,000 albums in South Africa alone, mostly with the popular song "Dance Some More". More |
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MPHO & UVIMBA BAND
Based in Cape Town
MPHO AND UVIMBA is a seven piece band which was formed in 1994, starting as "Mpho and friends". Sophiatown Afro-Jazz at its best!
The Band members, who are all from Guguletu and Nyanga townships in Cape Town, individually came from differrent Bands and Groups and some have travelled extensively. MORE |
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NEO MUYANGA AND BAND
Based in Cape Town
One of the country's most renowned contemporary musicians, Soweto-born Neo Muyanga has established himself as one of South Africa's most singular and deeply impressive musical talents. As part of the extraordinary duo, Blk Sonshine, and now as soloist with his album "Listening Room", Neo is regarded as one of South Africa's most singular and deeply impressive musical talents. MORE |
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THE RUDIMENTALS
Based in Cape Town
The Rudimentals is an AFRICAN-SKA Band based in Cape Town They are a socially diverse, fun-filled act, strivING to interact with people of all ages and tastes. They thrive on the fact that they defy compartmentalization and are really proud that brand of music carries the "unique" label The music is a quest for the ultimate 21st century Pan African Ska party, comprising of dance-hall raps, reggae rhythms and a skanking back beat of vintage 70's Ska, with a brew of mbaquanga riffs and jazz and blues tones. MORE |
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SIYEZA
Based in Cape Town
amaAmbush SIYEZA is a vibrant and energetic 7-piece band. The group blends traditional African and modern western instruments to create a fusion of sound that gets people dancing. The group is well suited to big stages, and has performed alongside groups such as Eagle-Eye Cherry at Rocking the Daisies, and on the main stage of the Pinotage on Tap wine festiva. MORE |
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SOUTH EASTER BAND
Based in Cape Town
The South Easter Band consists of some of Cape Town's Jazz legends. The South Easterns have an extensive repertoire to suit all tastes, and are capable of providing the perfect entertainment (from soft background music to dance music) for any occasion. The repertoire includes a wealth of jazz standards, as well as a wide variety of dance music styles such as rock 'n roll, Latin, Cape Malay, music for Jewish weddings, waltzes, sambas etc. MORE |
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SOWETO STRING QUARTET
Based in Johannesburg
A band that today needs no introduction in South Africa, and in fact worldwide! The Soweto String Quartet emerged during the 80’s when the three Khamese brothers, violinists Sandile and Thami and cellist, Reuben, were joined by violist Makhosini Mguni. MORE |
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TUCAN TUCAN
Based in Cape Town
Tucan Tucan's musical style has been described as a kaleidoskope - where and whenever you listen to this music, it's colourful variety fascinates and captures the listener. Latino rhythms like salsa, samba and bossa nova, and African elements such as those utilised in Kwasa Kwasa, Marrabenta and Ju Ju are used in the compositions. With these elements, a unique sound is created, which appeals to both local and international audiences. More |
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VOICE
Based in Johannesburg
The quintet Voice is a collective of some of the top young jazz musicians working in South Africa today. With two CD releases under their belt, the group is a regular feature of the local jazz scene. Its members also perform in their individual capacities and in support of other leading local musicians. Voice was a featured group at the 2005 Cape Town International Jazz Festival and all the group's members have performed with other musicians at the festival's earlier incarnation - the North Sea Jazz Festival. MORE
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YOUNG BAKUBA BAND
Based in Cape Town
INSPIRED by the group Empire Bakuba, which ruled Zaire's music scene in the 1960's, Young Bakuba have brought Kinshasha's sound to Cape Town. Comprising expatriots from the Congo (DRC), the Young Bakuba band was originally founded by Director Wankebulua Domingos. Established in 1993 in Namibia, members spent the 1990's in Angola, before relocating to South Africa. The core instruments include kit drums, bass, keyboards, guitars, congo percussion, and of course voice. On certain occassions, they include dancers in their stage show. MORE |
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