Afrobeat is hip at the moment – even U2 have tinkered with the style briefly on their new album. But Africa Got Soul, a new CD released on Prestige Elite records this week (March 2) is the real thing.

Abavuki is a group of young musicians from Langa, a township near Cape Town in South Africa. 'Abavuki' means "Wake up, early birds!" and refers not only to their youth, but also to their philosophy of seizing the moment and getting things done for themselves. They developed love for music at a young age and started playing with various groups.

Towards the end of 2001, they came together and began creating their unique brand of African Jazz. Using marimbas, percussion, brass instruments and even an operatic voice, they weave traditional African rhythms and melodies into a contemporary format.

Africa Got Soul – a collection of cover versions of Motown soul classics, such as Stand By Me, Say a Little Prayer, Let's Get it On, Sould Man and many more - is the result of two years work and is produced by London-born Barney Rattle who has been recording music in and around townships in South Africa for the last 12 years.

Abavuki take these classic songs and weave a bit of African magic into the mix, creating an exciting new sound.

If you want to hear more about the band and the creation of this unique album, Midge Ure is hosting a programme, called Motownship , about Abavuki and their music on Radio 4 at 10.30am on April 11.