MARIMBA BANDS

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

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 ohannesburg
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

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

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

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

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

UZUKO
Based in Durban
Uzuko play 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

WOMEN UNITE
Based in Cape Town
FOUNDED in April 1997, Women Unite consists of eight women who have been trained in different disciplines of music, dance and drama. The band consists of marimbas, drumming, vocals and dance. In 2003 and 2004 Norway funded an exchange project between Women Unite and Brazz Brothers from Norway with concerts and workshops in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Norway. MORE