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Come join us on Sunday 13th December as we round off our Autumn & Winter season with fabulous talents of Ubunye.Biography:
Ubunye is a vibrant Afro-jazz band like no other! Featuring two powerful vocalists from South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal region combined with a dynamic rhythm section and an array of guest artists Ubunye’s music is a unique blend of contemporary jazz, Afro-pop and traditional ‘Isigqui’ Zulu music.
Their inspirational fusion of jazz, dance and afro-beat that encapsulates the soul of South Africa, is swiftly winning the band a legion of fans across the UK and beyond, selling out Pizza Express Jazz Club and Buxton Jazz Festival to mention a couple.
Ubunye won the best UK jazz ensemble award at the prestigious Parliamentary Jazz awards 2023 and now the vibrant Afro-jazz band Ubunye release their new album ‘Tell me the truth or don’t tell me anything’.
In their new album, Ubunye immortalises the energy and spirit of their revered live shows, on a recorded body of work that is destined to attract further positive attention to their distinctive, high-energy sound.
Ubunye (loosely translated as ‘Oneness’ or ‘Unity’) is the conception of keyboard player and lead songwriter David Evans, who first collaborated with baritone singer Xolani Mbatha at a festival that he was running in Leeds. Having put together a successful project for the festival, the working relationship between Evans and Mbatha flourished, eventually resulting in the recruitment of their most talented colleagues. The new exciting Ubunye line up consists of the renowned jazz drummer Steve Hanley, distinguished Leeds musicians Nik Svarc and Kenny Higgins on guitar and bass respectively, as well as singers Xolani Mbatha and Nokuthula Zondi, who as a trio (along with Evans on backing vocals) perfectly compliment each other and provide a robust sonic force that is as soulful as it is compelling.
Accolades / Press:
‘A joyous celebration and proof, should it be needed, of the creative energy and unity possible when cultures meet through the medium of music’. - Steve Mead, Artistic Director, Manchester Jazz Festival
‘Vibrant Afro Jazz band Ubunye performed to a sold out show as part of London Jazz Festival. Their 10 piece outfit Wowed our Holburn crowd with their distinctive high energy sound’. - Pizza Express Live
‘A really crowd pleasing show from Ubunye at Hull Jazz Festival. Full of life, love and vitality that completely lifts the spirit that joins audience and performers into one’. - David Porter, director Hull Jazz Festival
‘At Buxton International Festival, Ubunye blew the roof off. Unique rhythms, passionate singing and fabulous songs, all delivered with soul. We warmed to the band, it was such a great choice for an evening gig; the joy and positivity shone through. Mesmerising’. – Neil Hughes, Buxton International Festival
Line-up:
Xolani Mbatha - Vocals
Nokuthula Zondi - Vocals
Dave Evans - Keyboards & Vocals
Nik Svarc - Guitar
Kenny Higgins - Bass
Steve Hanley - Drums
Links:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TGXrhCuAHYghknt1kTkQt?si=DYHAMP_PQWqCR7yZy5CUmg&nd=1&dlsi=e8144604e5674399
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ubunye_music/
Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/ubunye/1478201667
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ubunye-7901
Website - https://www.ubunye.co.uk/
Ticket Prices / Availability:
Tickets are priced at £16.00 per person (plus 0.40p booking fee). Tickets can be purchased online via the Huddersfield Jazz website, or on the door on the date of the event.
Note: Payment on the door can now be made by card.
Tickets will be limited to the venue fire safety capacity. Huddersfield Jazz & The Irish Centre reserve the right to refuse entry.
Start/Finish Times / Refreshments:
As per past events the gig will start at 2pm and aim to finishing around 4pm (dependant on performance timings) with a short mid session break. Full bar facilities will be available on the day.
Venue Location:
The Irish Centre is located on Fitzwilliam Street in Huddersfield - 86 Fitzwilliam St, Huddersfield HD1 5BB.
Car Parking:
Car parking is available on the street / in the car parks opposite the Irish Centre.
Please Note
Huddersfield Jazz / The Irish Centre take no responsibility for incorrect parking / any fines incurred.
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Event venue
The Irish Centre Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield., 84 Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, HD1 5BB, United Kingdom
Tickets
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