Based: Johannesburg
Abafazi Bengoma is a dynamic South African all-female ensemble celebrated for powerful performances that fuse drumming, marimba, percussion, singing, dance, theatre and storytelling — all rooted in vibrant African tradition and cultural heritage.
Formed in 2017 from a collective of women who originally met through shared rhythm circles, the group grew out of a passion for drumming and performance. The members — hailing from Soweto, Alexandra and the East Rand — redefined what it means to be an empowered, creative African woman, blending intricate live instrumentation with vocal harmony, expressive dance, and compelling narratives.
Abafazi Bengoma’s work celebrates African pride, female empowerment, and cultural storytelling. Their stage presence is marked by stunning visuals, vibrant costumes, and an infectious energy that honours Africa’s musical roots while forging a fresh and modern voice for women in the performing arts.
Artistry & Impact
The ensemble is known for its multi-talented members, each of whom sings, plays traditional African percussion and instruments, dances and acts — showcasing a holistic performance style rather than a single frontperson.
Over the years they have performed on major international stages, including tours in the Netherlands and major cultural festivals abroad. They also participated in high-profile events like The One Love Concert in Jamaica, the 46664 concert with international stars such as Shakira, and performance showcases tied to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Their recorded work includes EP releases and singles such as Madikizela, Spedi and Mfazi, which are available on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and YouTube Music, and have been featured as caller-tunes on networks including Vodacom and MTN.
Beyond performance, Abafazi Bengoma is deeply invested in community upliftment. They run workshops for women and girls in townships and correctional centres, teaching instrument-making, traditional music techniques and arts-based empowerment programs.
Vision & Legacy
Abafazi Bengoma’s mission is to preserve and elevate African cultural art forms, inspire women of all ages, and challenge stereotypes about women’s roles in music and performance. Their work emphasizes collective strength, cultural pride, and the transformative power of artistic expression.
