Hakumba (HU) + Headphones Jones @ Shotkickers at Shotkickers

A night of high-energy afro grooves brought to you by a powerhouse mix of Aussie and Hungarian musicians.

Budapest (Hungary)-based 11-piece band Hakumba is hitting Aussie dance floors for the very first time. At the core of their sound is a vibrant fusion of African rhythms and Eastern European/Balkan traditions, built on arrangements featuring a six-piece horn section and harmonized vocals in multiple languages. Their tunes pull from afrobeat, gypsy swing, funk, and jazz, echoing influences like Fela Kuti, Bruno Pernadas, Snarky Puppy, Nubiyan Twist, and Wombo Orchestra. On stage they erupt with pure joy and high-voltage energy. These guys have been playing together since high school, and it shows — the chemistry is real, the grooves hit hard, and dancing is basically unavoidable.

For their very first Melbourne show, they’re teaming up with local groovers — funk explorers and dancefloor-burners Headphones Jones, serving up tasty rhythms blending Funk, Nigerian Afrobeat, and Afro-Latin styles. Known for their high-energy sets packed with both vocal and instrumental bangers, this 9-piece dance band invites you on a journey to move your feet and your heart. Expect colourful antics, big horns, and driving rhythms.

Dress loud. Dance hard.