From the early 80’s Fra Fra sound has wowed audiences across the world and they arrive in South Africa in September for a tour. This leading Afro Caribbean band which hails from the Netherlands, Surinam, the Antilles and Africa have established themselves as a leading jazz band.

The Surinam phrase "fra fra" roughly translated means “balance” and emphasises the band’s constant search for balance between a wide range of musical and cultural influences from Africa, Europe and the Americas. Their catchy and unusual sounds pay tribute to their music which has seen them perform at some of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals including: the North Sea Jazz Festival, Arts Alive International Festival and the Texaco New York Jazz Festival.

The band has an innovative approach to jazz and has achieved a natural cohesion between these various influences creating their own truly original style. The Afro Caribbean jazz that clearly defines their own brand of music has its roots in a variety of cultures proving that jazz music is indigenous to the "global village". Their catchy and unusual sound cannot be categorised.

Their tour has been sponsored by the Dutch Government and the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Pretoria. Fra Fra Sound will appear in Durban on September 5 when they perform at the Upstage Jazz Café at the Playhouse. Show starts at 20h30 and tickets at R30 can be booked on (031) 369-9566 or 304-9820.