AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT

Below you will find an alphabetical listing of all the South African / African inspired outfits we represent. To browse through the artists according to style, please use navigation on the left.

ABAKHAYA - AFRICAN MARIMBA BAND
Based in Cape Town
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

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

ABAVUKI
Based in Cape Town
Abavuki is a group of young musicians from Langa, a township near Cape Town. Their name, 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. More

ACHIMOTA
Based in Johannesburg
The name Achimota means "don't ask, just listen". It's a living concept, and it's changed over the years. At the moment, Achimota is about encouraging kids at Orange Farm to get into dance and playing marimbas. The band and project is run by Derek, originally from Zim.  He has been working with Mike Mbatha (also from Zim, now living at Orange Farm) for about three years. More

AFRICAN DRUMMING
Cape Town and Johannesburg
Various drum ensembles - from a 2- to an 8-piece - are available. A traditional West-African drum ensemble includes rhythms from Ghana and Senegal using Djembes, Dun-duns, other drums and percussion instruments. For more information, please enquire

AFRICAN JAZZ PIONEERS
Based in Johannesburg, performs countrywide and internationally
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

AFRO FIESTA
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide and internationally
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

AMAAMBUSH MARIMBA BAND
Based in Cape Town
amaAmbush is a professional marimba band that was formed in 2002 by Ross Johnson.  The band’s high energy performances have put them in a class of their own – which was confirmed when they were awarded first prize at the 2006 National Marimba Festival in Johannesburg. The 5-piece band has over 600 live performances to their credit.  Recent performances include their CD launch at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, a performance with the Soweto String Quartet, and a show onboard the Queen Elizabeth II (QE2).  MORE

BASADI LE MEROPA
Based in Johannesburg
Basadi Le Meropa is a group of 6 powerful young South African women, who tell the incredible stories of their lives through drums, dance, marimba and song. Basadi provide a refreshing performance filled with traditional favourites, original composition and choreography, colourful costumes, exhilarating drumming, melodic marimbas, upbeat vocals and a wide variety of dances. More

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

CAPE MINSTRELS AND MALAY CHOIR
Based in Cape Town
The CAPE CULTURAL CLUB MINSTRELS AND MALAY CHOIR came together in the late 70's as youngsters.  This gave them something to do to keep themselves busy over weekends.  The minstrels have also won many prizes at competition level being members of many of the performing troupes in and around Cape Town. More

CODA
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide
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

KHAYELITSHA UNITED MAMBAZO
Based in Cape Town
Khayelitsha United Mambazo is an Isicathamiya choir from Indlovini in Khayelitsha. (Isicathamiya is a form of Traditional African Male Vocal Music.) The group consists of twelve members and they aim to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and friends, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They perform every day of every week at the Waterfront in Cape Town. MORE

KWANI EXPERIENCE
Based in Johannesburg , performs countrywide
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

LADIES MANTOMBAZANA
Based in Cape Town
An excellent African cultural experience comprising a talented group of dancer/instrumentalists as well as excellent vocalists presenting a wide repertoire of African song and dance.  More

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Based in Durban, South Africa
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. In 1993, at Nelson Mandela's request, Black Mambazo accompanied the future President to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway. 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

LIKWEZI PROJECT
Based in Cape Town
Likhwezi arts project is a group of talented performing artists who has achieved recognition in different arts disciplines. The group's repertoire combines song and dance from a variety of Southern African Cultures, accompanied by marimba, drums & percussion. Likhwezi have been involved in many different productions local, national & internationally as performers and African music and dance teachers, with a wide range of talent qualification and experience. MORE

MANGO GROOVE
Based in Johannesburg , performs countrywide and internationally
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

MARIMBA BANDS
Cape Town and Johannesburg
Songs and rhythms traditionally from Zimbabwe performed with marimbas, drums & percussion. Traditionally dressed performers create a great African presence. Ideal for boma, outdoor and African theme events. Band-sizes can range from a 2-piece to an 8-piece. For more information, please enquire

METHAPO SOUNDS
Based in Johannesburg
Methapo Sounds is an afro-fusion band, led by multi-instrumentalist Mosoeu Ketlele, fuses African traditional instruments (mbira’s, lesiba, makhoyane, ixhana, sekgankuza, setorotoro, and many others) and western instruments (piano, bass, and lead guitar, congas and drums), to create a very unique sound which could be described as "truly South African". More

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

MZANSI YOUTH CHOIR
Based in Gauteng
The Mzansi Youth Choir (previously Ekurhuleni Youth Choir) was established in July 2003 with the aim of affording talented underprivileged teenagers and young adults the opportunity to proficiently perform locally and abroad. Their repertoire is an exciting assortment of African music which incorporates elements of traditional music, pop and jazz. Their pulsating energy, buoyancy and devotion to South African music is an experience not to be missed. MORE

NEO MUYANGA AND BAND
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide and internationally
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

NOMFUSI
Based in Cape Town
Nomfusi Gotyana (24) is a new Afro-soul sensation from Kayelitsha that is guaranteed to cause an explosion in the year to come. With an alarmingly powerful voice, electrifying stage presence and super-calibre songs, Nomfusi and her 5-piece band is ready to take on the world. MORE

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

SOWETO STRING QUARTET
Based in Johannesburg, performs countrywide & internationally
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

SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH CHOIR
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide & internationally
The SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH CHOIR was established in 2005 and is a first for the country. In the true spirit of ubuntu the choir is a human project. Members reflect the true demographics of South Africa and celebrate unity within cultural diversity. MORE

THOKOZA
Based in Durban
THOKOZA, a 5-piece female vocal group, combines the ingoma’busuku (Zulu night music) vocal style and features a diverse repertoire of older Zulu celebration songs, Church influenced songs and original compositions. Based on the indigenous Zulu song and dance traditions, the style reflects the strong influence of western hymn and choral singing and includes elements of African American music. MORE

TUCAN TUCAN
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide
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

UBUNTU CHILDRENS CHOIR
Based in Cape Town
Ubuntu children’s choir was established in 2003 - the name “ubuntu” simply means humanity.  The philosophy is to revive the spirit of togetherness and to promote the human values eg. Love, Respect and Trust by saying, no to drugs and children abuse.  They have performed at many corporate in Cape Town. MORE

UZUKO
Based in Durban
Uzuko Marimba band plays a varied repertoire of traditional African and contemporary tunes, perfect for theme evenings and welcoming ceremonies for foreign delegates. Uzuko have performed at Zimbali Lodge, the Playhouse Theatre Complex, the University of Natal and the Portnet Easter Festival amongst others. MORE

VUTHELA MARIMBA TRIO
Based in Cape Town
The Vuthela Marimba trio, consisting of 2 marimbas plus saxophone, was formed in 1998.  They have performed at many occasions, and audience members have included ex-president Nelson Mandela  Their repertoire includes South African, Zimbabwean marimba, Caribbean, Cape, and South African Jazz transcriptions. MORE

YOUNG BAKUBA BAND
Based in Cape Town, performs countrywide
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