An explosive collaboration of two trailblazers from South Africa’s avant-garde, Thabang Tabane, and Sibusile Xaba sit firmly at the helm of a new wave of cutting edge South African roots music.
Their collaboration coalesces both geographic and spiritual influences, ranging from Maskandi (a music style dominant in Xaba’s native KwaZulu-Natal), the improvisational culture of SouthAfrica’s jazz avant-garde and the Malombo music Thabang’s father – the legendary Dr. Philip Tabane – originated in the late 1950s.
Collectively, they remold these influences, situating them within rhythms that span the African continent.
On stage, the pair’s synergy sees Tabane appearing as the fire that heats up Xaba’s serene waters.
Both their debut albums will be released internationally in 2017 by Johannesburg based, independent music imprint, Mushroom Hour Half Hour.
Photo Credit: Harness Hamese