-USUTU- performs intricate and powerful original compositions influenced by funk, jazz, raggae, dance hall and kwaito, as well as Southern African traditional and popular music.
Vocalist and composer NHLA NHLA PHEWA first toured Australia with the stage musical Ipi Ntombi, having already established himself as a rising star of South African theatre and music. He performed in numerous productions at the legendary Market Theatre in Johannesburg and other theatres around the country. He has worked with Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Mbongeni Ngema, Billy Ocean and Simply Red. In Australia he has performed with Jive Kayana, Kariba and Afro Moses.
Daniel Goodacre is a versatile musician and composer who has played keyboards and trumpet with African groups such as Jive Kayana, Afro Moses, Asim Gorashi and Gervais Koffi. His groups have opened for as well as Sydney jazz funk legends DIG and Doug Williams. Daniel is currently studying jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium and playing with the Asim Gorashi and Blue Nile, Inny & the Absolute, Jive Kayana and Mezcla. He is the musical director for Usutu.
Malick Diop, King of the Talking Drum, comes from a family who have been traditional musicians for generations. Malick has played and recorded with artists such as Youssou N'D'our and Baaba Maal. His distinguished international career has taken him to Morocco, Mauritania, Belgium, Paris and Italy as well as his native Senegal and his adopted home of Sydney, Australia.
Starley Hope is a compelling young R&B singer/songwriter with classical training. She features in Brown Suga, as well as performing with Jive Kayana and Usutu.
Peter Farrar, saxophonist, is a virtuoso performer deeply passionate about jazz and all forms of improvised music. Peter graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2005 with a B Mus. Hon. in Jazz Performance. He currently performs with jazz legend Mike Nock and his own group Farfinckle Pugowski..He is equally at home playing jazz, free improvisation, African music and hip hop.
Drummer Steven Manovski is a gifted musician who has performed professionally on drums and percussion since early childhood. His roots are in Macedonian music but he has mastered a variety of styles from pop rock to jazz fusion, Latin and hip hop. He has toured internationally with Doug Williams and supported Angelique Kidjo.
PAST GIGS
