Folkify to add acoustic life to favourites
FOLK music lovers are in for a treat as Kevin Abraham brings his acoustic ensemble, Folkify! to Legends Showcase in East London on Friday.
After two successful tours in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, East London will also get a taste of Abraham’s original songs, plus acoustic interpretations of some familiar golden oldies – well-known pop and rock songs reimagined for the Folkify ensemble.
Abraham is accompanied by Janet Sklar on violin and Kristo Zondagh on percussion – both acclaimed artists in their own right.
“Janet and Kristo bring a rich, very satisfying element into the Folkify performances. They are both highly skilled and I love the way they balance their obvious technique with humour and warmth,” Abraham said.
He began playing the ukulele at a very young age, progressing over time to acoustic guitar.
His first real introduction to performing acoustic music was at the Queens College Folk Club under the legendary Hennie van der Mescht.
Later, as a young adult, he became involved in the iconic Four Winds Folk Club, an institution that nurtured many excellent players over the years.
It was here that he began to develop his strong finger picking and signature vocal style.
While studying in Cape Town, Abraham became a top performer in many clubs, pubs and restaurants which offered live music in those days.
While there, he was scouted by Mountain Records, which resulted in national attention for his hit song “More Than Just a Friend, from the album Inside.
As a result of the album’s charting, Abraham had the opportunity to play and tour extensively. The demands of bigger stages and audiences resulted in a move towards a full band sound, and for a while he concentrated on delivering pop-rock shows.
However, he always sustained a separate solo career with strong emphasis on vocals and acoustic guitar. The growth in his music saw him leave South Africa in the mid-1980s to pursue an international music career.
On a visit back home with his wife, Michal, the couple decided to stay, with Abraham continuing his career as a musician, before moving into research fulltime.
“My passion for research became a fulltime career, taking me on some wild and wonderful adventures.
“Over time, live performances took a back seat. Now I have finally decided to take the advice of good friends from the music world and go out and share my love of acoustic music again.”
Tickets for the show cost R100, at Lee Gold Music. Inquiries: (043) 735-1586. —