Since 2006, Africappella has been singing vocal jazz in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The six-part vocal band grew its reputation rapidly within the jazz circles in South Africa, which led to opportunities for collaboration with world-renowned musicians such as Themba Mkhize, Hugh Masekela, and Sibongile Khumalo.

When asked about the group's genesis, Baritone Vus'umuzi Nhlapo said:

"The band started in 2006, but some of the members had performed together previously. We basically met in church, got a bit frustrated with the sameness of the sound amongst a cappella groups, so we decided on a new sound and new group. That's how Africappella was formed." 

"Back then we were yearning for more challenges as a cappella music singers. We were not satisfied with what was going on then in terms of sound. Myself, Josh (Pule), and our former baritone used to sing in the same gospel a cappella group. When that band disbanded, we thought of forming a new band with fresh voices and a new approach in terms of harmony. So, I happened to know a guy called Vuyo Tshuma and knew that he had why we wanted an arranger in terms of close harmonies. Vuyo agreed and we got to interview other singers who were also keen on this sort of approach." 

That's why we are here today. Because of that decision. Had we stayed the same in our earlier band, I don't think we would have cracked it like this.

Their dedication and discipline to produce quality close harmonies with a strong African flare spurred a series of fortuitous events that caught the attention of the iconic Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider. Impressed by the band, he promptly invited the band to work on his latest studio project. Vollenweider invited the band to share a stage with him at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in 2009 and Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland two years later.

In 2012, the band released its debut album "Blue Junxion," which won the CARA for Best African Album.

A few years later, wiser and far more musically mature, the band has partnered up with Acappellazone in Freiburg, Germany, to grow and further explore the vision it began in 2010.

"Fever" featuring Katli Lebogo

South African choral classic "Sylvia" arranged by Vuyo Tshuma

"Nearer my God to Thee" featuring Jabu Mthethwa

Ladysmith Black Mambazo cover (arranged by Themba Mkhize)

When asked why they decided to form the kind of group they did, Pule said:

Listening to vocal bands such as Take 6, Real Group, and Manhattan Transfer got us wondering how African music would sound with those type of chords employed. So, it was a curious point to try innovate on African material. So the scout for singers with a keen interest in making such music began.

"I initially spoke to Vusi (whom I had sung together in a previous church band) for his unique composition abilities, and then after then it became a networking exercise. But, the turning point was when Vusi eventually recruited Vuyo and the music starting falling in place.

Support Africappella

Currently, Africappella is trying to crowdfund their way through Europe since they could not secure any help from corporations or their government.

You can donate to their cause HERE.

For More Africappella:
Africappella.com

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