Brian Litvin and Jabulani

JABULANI ( Jah- bew-lah-knee)
JABULANI - The Zulu word meaning we are happy.
JABULANI - The name of the band whose music makes one feel happy.

Jabulani, based in Toronto, has been performing their unique brand of World music for eight years in Canada. The band, led by Brian Litvin, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, plays a blend of Township Jive, Zulu Maskande, Traditional Zulu music and South African Jazz. Brian learned these styles first hand from street walking guitar players, migrant workers in hostels, and from the very townships that bred these wonderful sounds. The end product is music that is uplifting and exciting with driving rhythms.

Before coming to Canada, Brian was a successful performer in his native South Africa. Together with his band, Fireflies, and as a solo act, Brian was a well known entertainer at venues and festivals across the country. He was one of a select few musicians that brought traditional Zulu music to white audiences in the days of apartheid South Africa. He also delighted both black and white audiences, with his blending of indigenous musical styles.

After numerous musical collaborations, Brian Litvin has found his nucleus. With the contributions from well known musicians, Mafata Lemphane, from Lesotho, on bass guitar and vocals, the versatile Canadian, George Morellato on drums and vocals, Mafa Makhubalo from Bloemfontein, South Africa, on percussion and vocals, the sound of Jabulani has matured and is now a tight, melodic group who sings in both English and in Zulu. The rhythm section lays down a beautiful foundation underneath Brians traditional thumb and fore finger melodic guitar style to deliver the South African sound at its best.

In addition to enjoying the music, audiences are thrilled by the exciting spectacle of traditional Zulu dance. They are also treated to some entertaining anecdotes from Brians history in South Africa in the days before apartheid fell.

Jabulani has performed on multiple stages from National Music Festivals to official Consular events. Some highlights of the bands performances include Afrofest 2010 Baobab Stage CLosing Act, Mariposa Folk Festival 2009, Afrofest 2008, Bana Y Afrique Music Festival 2008 and 2007, the Variety Club International Gala 2009 and the official Canadian party for Nelson Mandelas 90th birthday.

JABULANI has released a EP entitled Muzis Dream and are in the process of completing their second release of more original material.

This is true world class, world music at its happiest.

Contact: Brian Litvin - jabulani@rogers.com
Hm: 905 881 3410 Cell: 647 886 2789