ETUK UBONG QUARTET
Born and raised in Lagos, trumpeter Etuk Ubong (24) first started playing music at the age of 14 and studied under Etop Adolphors and Victor Ademofe. He is currently enrolled for a performer’s diploma in jazz studies at the University of Cape Town and studied jazz at the Peter King College of Music, and classical music at the Muson School of Music in Lagos. Ubong has performed with world-renowned musicians including Victor Olaiya, Femi Kuti, the Gangbé Brass Band, Pat Harbison, Ansyn Banks, Nduduzo Makhathini and many more. He played at the The Lagos Jazz Festival 2015, the Abuja Jazz Festival 2015 and in the On Mass project headed by Jamie Cullum as part of the London Jazz Festival. He is a member of the International Trumpet Guild and represented Africa at its 2015 conference in Columbus. In South Africa he regularly performs at top live jazz venues like The Crypt, Straight No Chaser, The Orbit and was featured as soloist in the Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2016.
MANOUCHE
Manouche is made up of 4 incredibly talented musicIans from all over Cape Town. With a mouthful from Muizenberg, a salt and pepper sprinkle from Stellenbosch, a punch from Paarl and a spicy slice from Sea Point. They’re sure to bring some flavour to any occasion.
Their 21st century take on traditional Gypsy Jazz blends together sounds and influences from genres like Tango, Waltz, Folk, R&B, Hip Hop and Electro Swing bringing audiences of all ages an original , fresh and unique sound.
RHYTHMIC CLIQUE
Rhythmic Clique is a mixed accapella jazz band, situated in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. Their sole purpose is to breathe life into their listeners through their music, addressing matters of life, love, spiritual and socioeconomic. They intend to give fussed blending intricate jazz harmonies with an African touch.
They combine and craft very well the African rhythms of syncopation fussed in jazz harmonies, counterpoint and indigenous flair to find a sound where the layman’s’ ear meets the scholars’ in great enjoyment.
Their Individual background and upbringing involves a deep love for God, whom they attribute as a fountain of their individual talents. They’ve performed in various Jazz and Arts festivals rubbing shoulders and sharing the stage with known brands such as Jimmy Dludlu, Zahara and many more.
VuDu
VuDu is a contemporary jazz collective from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The VuDu sound is a fusion of traditional American and African jazz with urban contemporary genres.
The band was founded in 2009 by Alec Mackay (bass) who recruited Virgil Matrass (keys), Sisanda “Sid” Myataza (vocals) and Kristo Zondagh (drums) to form a straight ahead jazz band. VuDu soon started writing original material and shortly thereafter recorded their first single, “Why,” a Neo-Soul composition, followed by their first EP, “The Birth of a New Sound,” which expanded their sound into experimental territories.
ZAMA & THE ALAN
Zama & The Alan is a Joburg based band made up of Msinga (KZN) born lead vocalist Zama Madondo (26) and Harare born guitarist Alan Kupeta (26). Using both acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums and a shaker; they create original music that fuses traditional African sounds with Alternative Rock, Jazz, Soul, Pop, as well as Latin American elements. It’s music that makes you dance, feel and remember.