Echoes Of Marabi

Echoes of Marabi brings together South Africa’s rich musical heritage and contemporary influences from Johannesburg to Bern. At its heart is the duo South African pianist and vocalist Yonela Mnana and Swiss saxophonist and bass clarinetist Benedikt Reising, joined by vocal trio The Soultee Sisters: Happiness Siyoko, Busisiwe Shongwe and Nompumelelo Gugu Kubheka. Together, the ensemble draws on the infectious rhythms and spirit of marabi, alongside South Africa’s rich choral traditions, reimagining these sounds through contemporary jazz, soulful vocals and improvisation. Swiss drummer Rico Baumann joins the ensemble for their performances, adding a dynamic rhythmic dimension to the collaboration. Echoes of Marabi is a celebration of musical exchange, resilience and artistic connection — creating a living dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, and bringing the sounds of South Africa and Switzerland together on one stage.