Satori and the PE Connection

The band Satori was formed in 2015 in Johannesburg to give expression to the creative elements and cultural influences handed down from their late father, Francis Ally, a renowned jazz pianist from Port Elizabeth. Having grown up in a household where music was the order of the day and musicians like Lulu Gontsana, Feya Faku, Jonathan Butler, Abdulla Ebrahim, Hilton Schilder, Robbie Jansen, Gerard O’Brien, Tete Mabisa, Winston Mankuku, Dudley Tito and many others who frequented, it was virtually impossible not to be influenced by these giants.

Erol Ally and Ashley his brother cut their teeth in the industry with the partnership and formation of “The RazzMatazz” jazz club owned by Winston Petersen, a well-known saxophonist in Port Elizabeth. It is here where they honed their skills which led to the production of their first CD in 2015. The band was invited to perform at the second commemoration of the death of former President Nelson Mandela in Berlin, Germany, sharing the stage with international acts at the end of 2015.

The widespread support and appreciation of audiences inspired them to continue building on what had been started with the formation of Satori, which means, (enlightenment, a transformation from darkness to light).

Their music typically encompasses elements from Jazz and fusion infused with African and Goema rhythms. The songs have a strong cultural, social and historical significance which has found tremendous resonance amongst local and international audiences, illustrating the relevance of the universal messages imparted through their music, in making the world a better place than it currently is.

Satori returned to their studio towards the end of 2017 to record their second CD entitled, “What has become of us”, which they released in Germany, in June 2018, showcasing the artistry of Ashley Ally on Sax and flute, Zara Ally on lead vocals, Ezra Erasmus on keyboards, Erol Ally on guitar, Edwin Steyn on bass, Kevin Ally on drums and percussion, and Lisa Ally on vocals. They performed to full houses in Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich, Hamburg, Oldenburg, Rostock, Hattingen, Kolne, Jazz festival in Duren, Titisee – Neustadt where they received exceptional acclaim from audiences and the media alike.

The band decided that having a concert to launch their second CD in Port Elizabeth at the start of the festive season would be their gift to the Eastern Cape, their place of birth.
The venue for the concert is The Board Walk Casino Amphitheatre, on the 8th December, Starting at 20h00, Admission R200 for adults and a limited amount of tickets for kids R50.
There will be an opportunity to purchase autographed CD’s and a meet and greet of the band after the show.