Tucan Tucan jazz up G’town

By Mudiwa Mupotsa (FJP reporter)

(From left to right) Muriel Marco, Daniel Bloem, Cindy Gibbons, Xixel Langa and Buddy Wells have a quick rehearsel at the sound check before their performance last night at DSG Hall, at the National Arts Festival.

Vocalist Xixel Langa practicing her dance moves at the sound check.

 

Tucan Tucan opened at the Jazz Festival last night as part of the National Arts Festival, promoting the message of unity with flair.

The band performed at DSG Hall The band has been recording and has performed two new songs, including one about the recent xenophobic attacks.

The issue of xenophobia is of relevance to the Cape Town based band as their members come from different parts of the world including Mozambique, Argentina and Holland.

However, rather than be discouraged by the abuse many foreign nationals experienced recently, Tucan Tucan have managed to take something positive from it.

“We feel very positive because we are able to show that different cultures can come together and make something sound like one,” said vocalists Cindy Gibbons.The new song not only speaks against discrimination, but also refers to the multicultural makeup of the band and their outlook on life.

Tucan Tucan band also produces music in a variety of languages including Spanish and Portuguese as well as local languages such as Sepedi. “It’s important for us to break the boundaries and make music that anyone can appreciate,” said Gibbons.

When they performed at last year’s festival the group managed to get the crowd going and create a lively vibe. With all the diversity and musical talent in the band, Tucan Tucan has the ability to entertain and to appeal to diverse audiences.

Catch Tucan Tucan performing again tonight at DSG Hall, 7pm.

Pics: Mudiwa Mupotsa