Firm favourites at The Bear, Ubunye is a vibrant Afro jazz band featuring powerful vocalists from South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region, combined with a dynamic rhythm section from Leeds.
The exciting new lineup consists of keyboard player and lead songwriter David Evans, renowned jazz drummer Steve Hanley, distinguished musicians Nik Svarc and Sam Dutton-Taylor on guitar and bass, respectively, as well as singers Xolani Mbatha and Nokuthula Zondi, who, as a trio with David on backing vocals, perfectly complement each other and provide a robust sonic force that is as soulful as it is compelling.
Together, they create a unique blend of contemporary jazz, Afropop, and traditional ‘Isigqui’ Zulu music. This inspirational fusion encapsulates the soul of South Africa and is swiftly winning the band a legion of fans across the UK and beyond.
They have headlined at the Manchester and Lancaster jazz festivals and performed a sellout show at Soho’s Pizza Express Jazz Club. They also picked up a Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Ensemble in 2023.
“Full of life, love and vitality that completely lifts the spirit”
“A joyous celebration and proof, should it be needed, of the creative energy and unity possible when cultures meet through the medium of music”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first-come, first-served.