About
Content Source: OztixHungarian afrobeat collective Hakumba emerged into the world at the Ordogkatlan Festival (HU) in the summer of 2019, when two smaller bands fused into a singular 11-member force, rooted in the town of Szentes, currently based in Budapest (HU).
At the core of their sound lies a vibrant fusion of African and Balkan rhythms, mind blowing arrangements of a 7 piece
horn section, and harmonized vocals in all kinds of languages. Their compositions are based on the traditions of afrobeat, gypsy-swing, and jazz, and echo the influences of musicians and bands such as Fela Kuti, Bruno Pernadas, Snarky Puppy, Nubian Twist, and Wombo Orchestra.
With each performance, Hakumba infuses the air with an unmistakable spirit of joy, a kinetic energy that propels audiences to
dance, swayed by the unbreakable bond between the band members - a friendship that traces back to their high school
days.
In 2023, the band unveiled their first album with 15 songs on it, Veletlen volt, nem direkt, followed by two singles and an EP later that same year. In 2024, they won the prestigious grand of the Hungarian National Cultural Fund [NKA] through the Hangfoglalo program, leading them to release Message, their first concept album, produced by the brilliant Andras Weil. Available on both CD and vinyl, Message marks a turning point for Hakumba, as their deep devotion to afrobeat finds its true voice. This album is the beginning of a bold new chapter for the band, one that unfolds with clarity and purpose.
Currently, while prepearing their Australian tour for January 2026, Hakumba is crafting their next LP expected to emerge in late 2025, promising yet another sonic evolution in the direction of spiritual jazz.
At the core of their sound lies a vibrant fusion of African and Balkan rhythms, mind blowing arrangements of a 7 piece
horn section, and harmonized vocals in all kinds of languages. Their compositions are based on the traditions of afrobeat, gypsy-swing, and jazz, and echo the influences of musicians and bands such as Fela Kuti, Bruno Pernadas, Snarky Puppy, Nubian Twist, and Wombo Orchestra.
With each performance, Hakumba infuses the air with an unmistakable spirit of joy, a kinetic energy that propels audiences to
dance, swayed by the unbreakable bond between the band members - a friendship that traces back to their high school
days.
In 2023, the band unveiled their first album with 15 songs on it, Veletlen volt, nem direkt, followed by two singles and an EP later that same year. In 2024, they won the prestigious grand of the Hungarian National Cultural Fund [NKA] through the Hangfoglalo program, leading them to release Message, their first concept album, produced by the brilliant Andras Weil. Available on both CD and vinyl, Message marks a turning point for Hakumba, as their deep devotion to afrobeat finds its true voice. This album is the beginning of a bold new chapter for the band, one that unfolds with clarity and purpose.
Currently, while prepearing their Australian tour for January 2026, Hakumba is crafting their next LP expected to emerge in late 2025, promising yet another sonic evolution in the direction of spiritual jazz.