Acoustic Element is an internationally acclaimed Cape Town-based musical duo comprising cousins Callen Petersen on violin and Jody Abel on guitar and beatboxing. Together, they have developed a distinctive sound that combines the sophistication of live strings with contemporary pop, house, dance and African-influenced rhythms.
What began more than a decade ago as a violin-and-guitar collaboration has evolved into an international live act, performing at luxury weddings, corporate events, festivals and private celebrations across South Africa and around the world.
Acoustic Element’s versatility is one of their greatest strengths. Their repertoire moves effortlessly between pop, rock, jazz, smooth ballads, acoustic favourites and contemporary dance music. They can perform completely acoustically for an elegant background atmosphere or incorporate backing tracks, beatboxing and DJ elements to create a high-energy performance suited to parties, festivals and large-scale corporate events.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Since their first international performance in Stockholm, Sweden in 2017, Acoustic Element have developed a significant international following. Their performances have taken them to destinations including Austria, Germany, Greece, France, India, Italy, the Maldives, the Netherlands, Qatar, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the UAE and Zimbabwe.
Their international highlights include destination weddings and events in Lake Como, Corfu and London, as well as a stadium performance in Düsseldorf in front of approximately 37,000 people. In 2023 they embarked on the Gasteiner Infinity Tour, performing 29 dates across Austria.
They have also appeared on major European festival stages. During their 2024 European summer season, Acoustic Element performed at Lido Sounds in Linz, Austria, on a festival line-up that included international acts such as Kings of Leon, Milky Chance and The Kooks.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Over the years, Acoustic Element have entertained an extraordinary range of high-profile guests and private audiences, including Bill Gates, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their Cape Town residency at the One&Only has also seen them perform in an environment frequented by international stars including Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Martin Garrix and Charlize Theron.
Within South Africa, they have performed alongside or shared events with artists including Freshlyground, Jimmy Nevis, Lira, Emo Adams, Beatenberg and others.
Their collaboration with Jimmy Nevis, Rebel Heart, further showcased Acoustic Element’s signature combination of violin and guitar within a contemporary pop setting.
CORPORATE & PRIVATE ENTERTAINMENT
Acoustic Element are equally at home providing sophisticated music for a cocktail reception or gala dinner as they are delivering an energetic headline performance designed to get an audience onto the dance floor.
Their combination of violin, acoustic guitar, beatboxing and contemporary production gives clients the impact of a modern live act while retaining the elegance and flexibility of a duo.
From luxury destination weddings and exclusive private celebrations to corporate events, conferences, gala dinners, brand activations, festivals and international functions, Acoustic Element deliver a polished, sophisticated and unmistakably contemporary South African performance.
Elegant when the occasion requires it, energetic when the party starts — Acoustic Element brings a fresh, internationally proven sound to the stage.
