Ubunye

This November, six-piece powerhouse Ubunye brings its high-energy fusion of traditional Zulu vocals, contemporary jazz, Afro-pop, and funk to the EFG London Jazz Festival, performing celebrated tracks and brand-new unreleased material.

Led by sensational vocalists and a burning rhythm section, their music is a joyful celebration of unity and human connection. This exclusive set features celebrated tracks from their first two albums alongside brand-new, unreleased material. Don't miss this soul-stirring, uplifting show of infectious global rhythms.

Ubunye bring their award-winning, cross-cultural show to this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival for a performance that will be a true highlight of the band’s touring calendar. Meaning "Unity" or "Oneness" in Zulu, this six-piece collective unites South African vocal heritage with contemporary jazz, gospel, and funk. At the heart of their identity is a repertoire of original songwriting that speaks directly to the human experience, combining storytelling and compelling musical arrangements to explore political themes and meditations.

The group reached a major milestone when they were named Best Ensemble at the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Fronting the ensemble are baritone Xolani Mbatha and vocalist Nokuthula Zondi. Reviewers have marvelled at their striking vocal chemistry, with 'All About Jazz' noting that "blending UK soul singer Omar's swagger with Leon Thomas' phrasing would give you some idea of the power of Mbatha's deep baritone vocals" alongside the huge power of Zondi's voice. Together, they deliver soul-stirring, spiritual gospel harmonies that add a powerful vocal dimension to the show. Keyboardist and songwriter Dave Evans shapes the musical landscape with artful jazz harmonies, helping map out a unique band sound infused with foundational influences that span from the deep jazz-fusion of Weather Report and the South African piano stylings of Abdullah Ibrahim to the lyrical and harmonic mastery of Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder.

Behind them, a formidable rhythm section provides a vibrant, infectious energy. Kenny Higgins (The Haggis Horns, Corinne Bailey Rae) anchors the band with deep, hypnotic basslines that lay down an unshakeable, heavy groove, working in tandem with the guitarist Nik Svarc and drummer Steve Hanley. Together, they create an exciting and rich sound that is sometimes delicate and sometimes explosive.

The band’s studio recordings have received strong critical acclaim, earning a 5-star review from BBC Music Magazine and a 4-star review from Songlines, who praised the group’s "distinctive fusion of Zulu harmony singing, Afropop, soul and contemporary jazz," noting their sound is "not to be missed".

For this festival appearance, the band have put together a set that will feature standout tracks from their first two studio albums—their self-titled debut and Tell Me The Truth Or Don't Tell Me Anything. Alongside these established pieces, the band will premiere exclusive, brand-new songs live for the first time.

Listeners will move through quiet, close vocal passages into high-energy, danceable grooves. This performance stands out as a definitive representation of the band's current direction. Tickets are available now to see one of the most culturally grounded and engaging live acts on the current scene.