Tavarua

TAVARUA

About Us

Neil and I began our musical journey together in 2009, when we met at Grand West Casino. I was standing in for a colleague, Lee Gold, and Neil was playing guitar in the band. I had recently moved back to Cape Town from Johannesburg, so was just beginning to find my way back into the Cape Town music scene. We played duo gigs whenever we could, starting at the One and Only Hotel, and eventually gave ourselves the name TAVARUA. We have really done a lot of corporate work together to date, mainly catering for background jazz and easy listening gigs.

We’ve also managed to liven up a few parties and weddings when Neil switches over to his alter-ego, DJ Benji, and takes the party to midnight and beyond. Our repertoire ranges from jazz to easy listening pop, and if the occasion requires we do get down with some blues and rock.

About Neil

Neil Benjamin has been working in the music industry for the last ten years as a guitar player, DJ, producer and writer. His original outfit, MACSTANLEY, has seen some of his music hit both national and international charts and the band has just completed their 3rd album. Other musical interests include DJ’ing and electro music, which has seen Neil collaborate with some of Cape Town’s best to create a fresh and vibey outfit combining the live element electro. Most recently Neil has been working with local jazz musicians in various outfits in and around Cape Town.

TAVARUA Past Events:

The One and Only Hotel, Waterfront
Weekly April 2009 – July 2010
Tekkietown Year-End Function, Fancourt, George
TABLE BAY HOTEL, Waterfront
Christmas lunch
DEN ANKER, New Years Eve Function
Toyota, Barlow World, Stellenbosch
Olam SEALS Conference Welcome Dinner, Crystal Towers Hotel, Century City
MOUNT NELSON, CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Fugro Surveys Africa 50th Anniversary Dinner, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
AECOM Corporate Cocktail function, Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Directors year-end dinner, Hout Bay Manor
Potters Hand Activations, Shimmy Beach Club
Alan Gray function, Searles Restaurant, Greyton
Shawn Petersen Wedding, Landtscap
WPO Eurochapter corporate, Mount Nelson Hotel

Testimonials:

From what I heard it was a party of NOTE!! Please thank them from me – they were fantastic and really went the extra mile.

Noreen Swartz, Timeless Weddings

Dear Lynne and Neil,

We would like to thank you so much for the amazing music that you played at our wedding.
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us about our personal preferences and for including our favourite songs in the reception. It made the day so special and unioque. Your rendition of “A Thousand Years” for us to enter the hall to was so amazing and we will always remember it as our song.
Everyone has told us how incredible and enjoyable the music was and how beautiful your voice is.
Thank you for the wonderful job you did – It really made our wedding so special.

Love Belinda and Stanton

Everyone loved them!! I passed on your details to two people who have weddings coming up….Thanks again.

Alicia Valentine, Fugro Surveys Africa

Yes, Tavarua was a great hit! Thank you for all your assistance.

Tanya Roodman, Cliffe Dekker

On behalf of Absolute Collection, we would just like to express our appreciation for all the hard work, effort and attention to detail that went into Cindy’s wedding. The event was a huge success in all aspects and we received great and positive feedback from the client. The entire day was an absolute reflection of Cindy’s dreams and aspirations. We thank you for walking this journey with us in making her dreams a reality.

Michelle Bothma, Absolute Collection

They were super! Thank you!

Jacqui Lanning, No Ordinary Fis

We enjoyed your performance very much at our wedding. And not only us but also the guests. It was perfect. I will send you pictures soon.
One of the guests of our wedding, from South Africa, would like to get in touch with you because she is getting married as well.

Okyay Orgut