Shakatak, the legendary English jazz-funk band, is returning to Cape Town next Saturday, 30 September, as part of their 40th anniversary world tour.
To give you a taste listen to this playlist:
Shakatak has firmly established itself as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that translates perfectly with audiences worldwide to this day.
The band, comprising Jill Saward (lead vocals), Bill Sharpe (keys), Keith Winter (guitar), George Anderson (bass) and Roger Odell (drums), will be heading to the Mother City for a night fans will foster, forever.
Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success, and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music – but then Shakatak is a particularly unusual group.
Due to the nature of their music, their fanbase is far-reaching while always retaining an ‘underground element’. This paradox sees the band, known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoying high ‘cult’ status and instant recognition as a much-loved household favourite.
Shakatak scored several major hits, “Night Birds” (1982) and “Down on the Street” (1984), plus a further 12 entries in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles.
The group is still active, selling out tours, particularly in Japan and the Far East, and commonly produces a new album every two years on JVC Records.
From their first release in August 1980 to their first 1981 album, Drivin’ Hard, the band’s singles and albums have entered the charts throughout their careers.
The release of 1981’s “Easier Said Than Done” gave Shakatak the radio exposure needed for their first Top 20 hit.
The follow-up, “Night Birds” (1982), was their first single to reach the Top 10
The self-titled album on which the track appears also gave Shakatak their first gold record, entering at number four and remaining in the UK charts for 28 weeks.
Shakatak’s fifth album, Down on the Street (1984), delivered the standout classics “Down on the Street” and “Watching You”, both of which had great success and brought them love and attention from new audiences around the world.
The following year saw the release of the group’s second live album, Live! (1985), which was recorded in Tokyo and London.
“Something Special” (1987), closely followed by the night club and chart hit “Mr Manic & Sister Cool” from their next LP, Manic & Cool (1988).
In the 1990s, the band achieved success in the US when two of their albums went Number One on the contemporary jazz charts while also being awarded the Japanese Grammy for Best International Instrumental Album six years running.
Expect a hits-filled evening with all the classic fan favourites, and perhaps even a few unexpected treats too!
Book via Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.co.za/event/40th-anniversary-of-shakatak-tickets/995
Martin Myers 
Leave a comment