BCUC (South Africa)

Few concerts in the history of Oslo World has hit harder, with more musical shock effect, than BCUC from Soweto, South Africa did at Nasjonal Jazzscene a few years back. BCUC – Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness – combines indigenous funk, hiphop consciousness and punk rock energy from Soweto, South Africa. The band had a humble beginning, rehearsing in a shipping container a stone’s throw from the church where Desmond Tutu organised the escape of the most wanted anti-Apartheid activists of Soweto. From there, they have grown to become a celebrated and deeply cherished band, through their spellbinding connections with audiences all over the world. 

“We’re doing music for the people, by the people, with the people,” singer Nkosi "Jovi" Zithulele has explained in an interview. It is a fitting motto for the band's blend of outspoken lyrics, delivered with punk-like intensity over epic afrofusion rhythm tapestries. Their sound is both subtle and hard hitting, centered around their percussionists and the endlessly inventive, nimble bass playing from Mosebetsi Jan Nzimande - a true master of the instrument. 

BCUC sees its music as a hedonistic trance, but also as a weapon of political and spiritual liberation. They tackle the harsh realities of the voiceless, especially the plight of the uneducated workers at the bottom of the social food chain. And they do it all through truly jawdropping performances. In 2022, they played perhaps the best concert at Oslo World that year. We have been waiting for an opportunity to bring them back – and now it’s finally happening. 

Double ticket for Mazaher + BCUC

Earlier the same night, the Egyptian group Mazaher, which plays the ancient musical tradition zar, will perform at Nasjonal Jazzscene. Oslo World sells double tickets for these two shows at a reduced price – this will be a truly special night at one of Oslo's very best venues.