Sometimes all it takes is a bit of talent, a lot of ambition, and someone who believes in you and has the right connections. Add to that a lucky break and a dash of media interest and you just about have the formula for success!
THE AMBITION
A group of ten vocalists and percussionists from a township in South Africa call themselves Abavuki. All are men in their early twenties, except for 33 year old Miyo Sakabula, who was instrumental in gathering the guys together, with the desire to pass on his knowledge of traditional rhythms and dances to the next generation. The name itself, Abavuki, while rolling off your tongue with ease, has an aspirational meaning of ‘Wake up early birds!’ – reflecting the youth of the men and their philosophy to seize the moment!
THE TALENT
Hailing from Langa, a township outside Cape Town, the Abavuki crew perform weekly at Cape Town’s Mama Afrika Cafe in Long Street, playing an array of African instruments from marimbas to djembes.
“The local South African people are pretty tough to please,” says Barney Rattle, a producer who works with Abavuki. “Because they’ve had this music on their doorstep for so long they never seem to be that interested. That is, until the music has travelled abroad and returns home a success!”
THE CONNECTION
The someone who believes in them is London-born Barney Rattle, with an already musically inspired name, it’s almost destiny that this man steered a path into music – and in particular, township music since he visited South Africa in the early nineties. Keeping his involvement based on traditional music, instruments and original beats, Barney has established many musical initiatives in South Africa – one of which is a record label called New World Africa Records. With a head office in London, Barney aims to give an international platform to traditional African music.
THE LUCKY BREAK
Abavuki’s opportunity arose when a UK based record label commissioned a soul record with an African twist, to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of MoTown. ‘Africa Got Soul’, an apt name for what the album delivers, will be released in the UK in early March. It is a beautiful take on soul classics blended with traditional African beats and percussion in the form of marimbas, drums and steel pans. From ‘Papa was a rolling stone’ to ‘Stand by me’, the songs come across in a grounded and wholesome manner, the tenoratic tones breathing strength in to these soul expressions from years before. Not only does it totally work, but due to the contrast of western soul songs and African traditional beats, it also brings together generations and cultures. It’s the kind of album that would not be out of place at a dinner party – yet would fill the surrounds of
