**UBUNYE \| EFG London Jazz Festival** **on Friday 20th November '26 at Pizza Express Soho, 1 pm** **Music Charge: £25.00 → [https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/ubunye-2](https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/ubunye-2)** **Ubunye bring their award-winning, cross-cultural show to this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival for a performance that will be a true highlight of the band’s touring calendar. Meaning "Unity" or "Oneness" in Zulu, this six-piece collective unites South African vocal heritage with contemporary jazz, gospel, and funk. At the heart of their identity is a repertoire of original songwriting that speaks directly to the human experience, combining storytelling and compelling musical arrangements to explore political themes and meditations.** **Ubunye reached a major milestone when they were named Best Ensemble at the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Fronting the ensemble are baritone Xolani Mbatha and vocalist Nokuthula Zondi. Reviewers have marvelled at their striking vocal chemistry, with 'All About Jazz' noting that "blending UK soul singer Omar's swagger with Leon Thomas' phrasing would give you some idea of the power of Mbatha's deep baritone vocals" alongside the huge power of Zondi's voice. Together, they deliver soul-stirring, spiritual gospel harmonies that add a powerful vocal dimension to the show. Keyboardist and songwriter Dave Evans shapes the musical landscape with artful jazz harmonies, helping map out a unique band sound infused with foundational influences that span from the deep jazz-fusion of Weather Report and the South African piano stylings of Abdullah Ibrahim to the lyrical and harmonic mastery of Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder.** **Behind them, a formidable rhythm section provides a vibrant, infectious energy. Kenny Higgins (The Haggis Horns, Corinne Bailey Rae) anchors the band with deep, hypnotic basslines that lay down an unshakeable, heavy groove, working in tandem with the guitarist Nik Svarc and drummer Steve Hanley

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