Zazu Add to Shortlist
Contemporary drum and dance ensemble, Zazu, present a colourful and energetic performance of rhythm, movement and song inspired by the party music of Africa, Latin America and the Carribean. Tribal grooves and vibrant costumes uplift the spirit and invigorate the body in a life-affirming celebration.
With an impressive display of primitive and modern instruments, they combine their knowledge of jazz and contemporary music with studies under African drumming and dancing masters abroad.
Zazu bring a new fusion of uplifting tribal beats and rich, melodic flute and song.
They specialise in roving outdoor, all-acoustic performances with traditional dance if required. They have played at a variety of functions, both private and corporate, and appear at festivals throughout Australia. Their versatile repertoire makes them flexible to the requirements of the event and venue.
Zazu is a six-piece ensemble which includes two dancers, however they have performed with as few as three for smaller mobile performances.
This fabulous group will delight your senses with a brilliantly choreographed show of traditional dance, drum and song. But if your feet are itching why not kick off your shoes, grab a drum and join the party with one of Melbourne African Drumming Workshops? Rediscover the ancient roots of soul and rhythm with Zazu!
Fringe Festival Award
Zazu was just judged "best live performance" at the 2003 Melbourne Fringe Festival. Their flamboyant show and uplifting music was a hit with the Fringe judging committee.
Selected Performances
Australian Film Industry – Members night, Prince of Wales St. Kilda
AFL: Grand Final after party, Punt Rd Oval and Pre-Grand Final Lunch, Crown Casino
Lion King theatre opening and DVD promo events
Globe to Globe World Music Festival 2003
South African Airlines promotion, Crown Casino
Jackson St Festival and “Aloha” Acland St Festival, St Kilda
High Street Festival, Northcote
The Stage, Smith St Fitzroy
Knox City and Victoria Gardens Complex openings
Power Passion and Profit - Anthony Robbins Seminar - Rod Laver Arena
2002 Fringe Festival @ The Gooch Club
With International touring Group, Wala @ Hifi Bar
Feb 2003/4/5 Sustainable Living Festival @ Federation Square
Aug 2003/4/5@ Esplanade Hotel with West African touring groups Mohata and Wala
Global Garden Fetsival , St Kilda 2003/4/5
Cadbury Schweppes @ Rod Laver Arena
PwC @ Rippon Lea
Henley @ Persimmon
GSODA @ The Port Melbourne Yacht Club
The Members
Simon Fraser
Study tours to Ghana, West Africa 2000
Burkina Faso, Mali & Guinea, West Africa 2002
Senegal, Guinea, Ghana 2003
Simon Lewis
Study tour to Guinea, West Africa, 1999
Aust Council Music Grant Study tour to Guinea, West Africa, 2001
Associate Diploma of Jazz, Adelaide University, 1992
Lamine Sonko
A young and incredible drummer and dancer from Dakar, Senegal. Gaining a reputation as Australia’s best male African dancer
Bobo Diallo
Former lead dancer with the Gambian Ballet in West Africa, Bobo brings her raw energy and talent to Zazu’s dancing line-up. Great to watch!
Bouba Gaye
As a member of the infamous Mama Afrika and under the guidance of ballet professor Joseph-Raphael Bouschanzl, Bouba's skills led him to join the renowned Foret Sacre Ballet. With an energy and peace of mind that resonates from deep within - Bouba speaks 1000 words with his drum.
Kofi Kpunte
Kofi is one of Australia's leading african drummers, with his unmatched enthusiasm and eagerness to bring his cultural herritage to the stage, Kofi will 'wow' anyone who watches him!
Instruments
Djembe - African Lead Drum
Dhundhun - African Bass Drum
Congas - Latin Drums
Bongos - Latin Drums
Grin - African log drum
Kora - African Harp
Vocals
Bells, Shakers
Drum Kit
Acoustic Bass
Silver flute
Bamboo flutes
Didgeridoo





