Friends, where do we start? Ten years of music making - playing, writing, performing, travelling, collaborating, laughing, recording and pushing ourselves to create music which keeps everyone guessing.

 

What started as an escape from our classical studies grew into a project promoting thinking about music differently. What our instruments could do, how they could belong to one genre one minute and another the next. We saw Project Jam Sandwich mature into Kabantu, bringing with it an ethos and identity which reflected the diversity of humble, soulful music making from across the globe.

 

We pushed ourselves to branch out from arranging existing music and began writing original material, lyrics, painting soundscapes and presenting performances “of the people”. Describing Kabantu has always been a challenge. “What sort of music is it?” “Where would you fit in our festival?” Ten years ago, we were worried about fitting into boxes and identifying as something specific.

 

In 2024 and looking back on where we’ve played, we are so proud of our nomadic, wildcard description status which has allowed us to stick it to box ticking and go from playing gigs on the back of carnival floats one night to playing for royalty at the Cadogan Hall the next.

 

However, we would never have made it out of our first rehearsal room, had it not been for the faith and support of our friends, colleagues, promoters, funders and audiences members. There aren’t enough ‘thank yous’ around to express how grateful we are to have been given a platform for our music, both literal and metaphorical. From the backing we had to crowd fund our first album, promote tours and take our tunes into everywhere from concert halls to care homes, it has been our privilege to perform to you all for ten years.

 

Nothing will test your resilience like working in a professional chamber music ensemble!

 

It’s tempting to formulate a ‘Kabantu: Top 10 moments list’ by reeling off our favourite gigs over the years but actually, before any of that, comes a reflection on the friendship and partnership we have fiercely established. Kabantu only works on trust, courage and conviction- it is something which audience members pick up on and mention to us after every gig, without fail. We all have our roles but we’ve shared in vulnerability, tragedy and optimism as a collective, which is where being friends with your colleagues feels very special.

 

Life inevitably takes us on unexpected roads and in true improvisatory style, Kabantu have decided to embrace the unknown and wind down after an incredible decade. There is so much good music going on out there, we can’t help but jump into the next chapter with all the joy, energy and boundary-pushing which Kabantu has taught us.

 

We know we’re leaving behind something special, but it’s time to embrace our ethos and go out looking for new ideas to make us 

"who we are, because of who everyone is”.

 

 

All our love, Kabantu

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In lieu of a ticket cost for this gig, we have chosen to put any donations or merchandise sales towards supporting a local music charity close to our hearts. Set up by fellow RNCM alumnus, Jo Yee Cheung, Kabantu have been involved in many of their projects over the years and truly believe they have an incredible vision for the future of music in Manchester. 

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Olympias Music Foundation is an award-winning music charity based in Manchester, working to champion diversity in music – from nearly 27,000 free instrumental lessons for children on free-school meals, to community choirs for diverse women and school children, they believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in music. They also run a project called migrant voices, supporting the diverse local from cultures around the world based in Manchester. 

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Please give generously!
www.olympiasmusicfoundation.com