Last Month, 23 & 25 November, a comic brass performance group from Korea ‘Funny Band’ made their South African debut concerts in Cape Town, bringing remedial laughter in troubled times.

▲ Funny Band playing ‘Jerusalema’ at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on 23 November

Formed in 2001 as Korea’s first brass performance group, the pioneering band has performed at more than 1,500 concerts in Korea and abroad with their unique approach to brass music. Their musical approach breaks from its convention and their shows are always filled with comical theatricality.

▲ Audience enjoying the band’s concert

Unlike traditional classical groups, Funny Band dares to abandon their chairs, infusing their shows with an infectious energy reminiscent of a cheerful dance. Their performances transcend the ordinary, embracing a perfect harmony between artistry and public appeal. With a rich blend of classical, jazz, pop, and film music, Funny Band breaks barriers and has captivated audiences of all ages.

In their SA debut concerts in Cape Town, in addition to their genre-bending repertoire, the band prepared a special performance in celebration of the Springboks’ victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with the South Africa’s worldwide mega hit ‘Jerusalema,’ inviting the audience to join jubilant musical celebration.

▲ The band playing at the Baxter Theatre Centre on 25 November

The concerts were organized by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) as part of their initiative to introduce Korean culture to South Africa by presenting diverse artists from South Korea, fostering cultural connections between the two nations.