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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!

Click here and here to see parts of Zazu performances.

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

 
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