This organic instrumental duo presents Cathy Del Mei and Kabelo Motlhomi delivering an authentic and dynamic performance of musical harmony. Keeping to the theme “local is lekker”, their repertoire is rich with South African melodies like:

• Jika (Mi Casa)
• Doo Be Doo (Freshlyground)
• Loliwe (Zahara)
• Feel Good (Lira)
• Burnout (Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse )
• Weekend Special (Brenda Fassie)
• Special Star (Mango Groove)
• A cry a smile a dance (Judith Sephuma)
• Destiny (Malaika)

And while the emphasis revolves around local, their repertoire is extensive which enables this talented duo’s offering the flexibility to suit the occasion and the audience. African Essence is also bookable as a 3-piece where a vocalist is added.

Kabelo regularly performs with all the major orchestras in Johannesburg – the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, Johannesburg Music Initiative and occasionally gets invited to play with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic in Durban.

As a freelance musician and recording artist, he has worked or collaborated with the late Bra Hugh Masekela in ‘Songs of Migration’ at the Market Theatre and with Sibongile Khumalo at her 20th Anniversary celebration of enriching the country with her music.

He has also worked with Tshepo Mngoma and Gloria Bosman, the Bala Brothers, Judith Sephuma, Zahara, Swazi Dlamini, Black Coffee, DJ Kent, Khuli Chana, the late HHP, Kwesta and many others.

As a soloist and concertmaster, Kabelo has toured Europe and the United States with Buskaid. The highlight in his career was in 2013 when he was asked to play at the premiere of “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” in in Johannesburg