Ubunye
“A joyous celebration and proof, should it be needed, of the creative energy and unitypossible when cultures meet through the medium of music.” Steve Mead, Artistic Director, manchester jazz festival.
Ubunye is a vibrant seven piece Afro Jazz / dance band based in the UK, featuring three vocalists from Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa and a four piece rhythm section. The music is an inspirational blend of jazz, Isigqi-traditional Zulu music and Afro-pop. High energy African beats and traditional sounds morph into more contemporary musical styles. Telling stories of human struggles with themes of universal resonance, Ubunye have played sell out shows at jazz clubs and performed at festivals across the North of England.
Highlights from recent tours include headlining the Manchester Jazz Festival showcase, Lancaster Jazz Festival and also a week long residency at Opera North for songwriters Thandanani Gumede and Dave Evans.
“In the moment, it seemed hard to believe that anything so propulsive and joyous could come to a halt. The same could be said about the applause and shouts that followed. No one who hadn't heard them perform before could quite anticipate the ways in which Ubunye would be remarkable.” Wakefield Jazz