Ubunye
A vibrant Afro-jazz band like no other!

Xolani Mbatha: vocals
Nokuthula Zondi: vocals
Dave Evans: keys and vocals
Kenny Higgins: bass
Jonah Evans: drums
Nik Svarc: guitar

“A really crowd-pleasing show from Ubunye …Full of life, love and vitality that completely lifts the spirit that joins audience and performers into one”. Hull Jazz Festival

Music at Wainsgate is overjoyed to welcome back Ubunye after a four-year absence. People may remember their concert at the Chapel in 2022 which attracted a capacity crowd who got up and danced in the aisles and gave the band a thunderous standing ovation!

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.

Ubunye won the best UK jazz ensemble award at the prestigious Parliamentary Jazz awards 2023 and now they’ve released their new album ‘Tell me the truth or don’t tell me anything’. In which the band 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.

“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. (They) outfit wowed our Holburn crowd with their distinctive high energy sound”. Pizza Express Live

“…Ubunye blew the roof off. Unique rhythms, passionate singing and fabulous songs, all delivered with soul.…the joy and positivity shone through. Mesmerising”.– Buxton International Festival