IA Book Iyke
Black-and-white photo of Iyke M Abu in a white suit playing a Stratocaster on an arena stage

Johannesburg · South Africa

Iyke M Abu

Lead Guitarist Session Player, Musical Director Music Producer

Book Iyke Watch him play
Scroll
Portrait of Iyke M Abu

01 / About

The guitar chair South Africa's biggest stages trust.

Iyke M Abu is a Johannesburg-based lead guitarist, session player and music producer. He has held down the guitar chair on Idols SA (Seasons 18 & 19) and played some of South Africa's biggest stages, from the SAMAs to Old Mutual Amazing Voices, backing artists including Tyla, Davido, Marvin Sapp, Vashawn Mitchell, Kelly Khumalo and Sjava.

Trained in music business at the Academy of Sound Engineering, he brings both feel and professionalism to every session, tour and live recording.

  • PRS GuitarsPulse Artist
  • The Guitar SummitFounder & Executive Producer
Artists backed
36+
TV & award stages
13
Idols SA seasons
2

02 / Credits

Who he's played for.

Artists36

  • Tyla
  • Davido
  • Marvin Sapp USA
  • Vashawn Mitchell USA
  • Buju BNXN
  • Sjava
  • Kelly Khumalo
  • Mafikizolo
  • Riky Rick
  • A-Reece
  • Anatii
  • Ami Faku
  • Musa Keys
  • Judith Sephuma
  • Simphiwe Dana
  • Lloyiso
  • Lebo Sekgobela
  • Israel Mosehla
  • Collen Maluleke
  • Ntokozo Mbambo
  • Nqubeko Mbatha
  • Kabomo Vilakazi
  • Zamo Dlamini
  • Takie Ndou
  • Black Diamond
  • Ayanda Jiya
  • Nathi Mankayi
  • K.O
  • Jub Jub
  • Dan Duminy
  • Kevin Maduna
  • Shekinah
  • Tresor
  • Press
  • Semito
  • FRYA Music

TV & Awards13

  • Idols SA S18 & S19
  • SAMAs 27
  • Old Mutual Amazing Voices
  • SAAPA 21
  • 2019 Presidential Inauguration
  • Afro Cafe
  • Gospel Classics
  • Gospel Time
  • One Gospel
  • Gospel Avenue
  • Live Amp
  • AfroPop Nation
  • Feel Good Live

Live & Studio Recordings

  • Takie Ndou
  • Collen Maluleke
  • Canaan Nyathi
  • Xolly Mncwango
  • Sneziey Msomi
  • Sbu Banda
  • Mnqobi Nxumalo
  • Antioch Fellowship Choir

Plus DVD recordings for many gospel artists.

Iyke M Abu in a white suit playing a Stratocaster on an arena stage under purple lights
Iyke M Abu in a white T-shirt and sunglasses playing a white Stratocaster against a neon stage backdrop
Iyke M Abu in a suit playing a sunburst Stratocaster on an outdoor stage
Iyke M Abu playing a light-blue Stratocaster on stage, with the drummer behind him
Iyke M Abu on the big screen at an arena show, with the crowd in front

03 / Watch

Hear the tone.

Straight from the rehearsal room and the stage. Videos play quietly as you scroll; tap the speaker for sound. More on Instagram, where 13.8K people follow along.

1M views
Rehearsal roomMarch 2024
Instagram

Most watched

1M

views on Instagram

Likes
48.5K
Followers
13.8K

One rehearsal-room take from March 2024, with the whole band in the room. Over a million plays on Instagram.

Watch on Instagram Follow @iyke_abu

More videos · view counts from Facebook

Facebook

04 / Presets

Presets: Play My Tone

The Line 6 Helix rigs Iyke runs on stage and in the studio. Pay in rand by card or EFT, and the download lands in your inbox. Fractal FM9 presets are on the way.

Loading presets…

Preset FAQ

Which Helix models and firmware are supported?

Every preset runs on Helix Floor, Helix LT and Helix Native. HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL have less processing power and fewer blocks, so only presets marked “Stomp friendly” load in full. Update to the latest Helix firmware before you import. Each preset card lists the version it was built on.

How do I get my files?

Checkout runs through Payhip and Paystack, so you can pay in rand by card or EFT. As soon as the payment clears, Payhip emails you a download link. Import the .hlx file with HX Edit (or drag it into Helix Native) and you're ready to play.

Can I get a refund?

Because presets are digital files that download instantly, all sales are final and refunds aren't possible. If something won't load or sounds wrong, email and it will get sorted out.

I need help with a preset. Who do I contact?

Email iyke [at] iykeabu [dot] com with your Helix model, firmware version and guitar, and you'll get a reply.

05 / Services

What you can book him for.

  1. 01

    Live & touring guitarist

    Lead and rhythm guitar for concerts, festivals, tours and corporate shows. Learns the set, shows up rehearsed, plays it right.

  2. 02

    Session recording

    Studio sessions in Johannesburg, or remote recording: send the stems and the brief, get back clean, printed guitar parts.

  3. 03

    TV & award-show bands

    Broadcast-ready playing for live TV, award shows and music specials. Two seasons in the Idols SA band, plus the SAMAs and SAAPA.

  4. 04

    MD & band coordination

    Musical direction for artists and events: arrangements, rehearsals, charts and keeping the band locked to the show.

  5. 05

    Music production

    Production for artists and projects. Arrangement, instruments and guitars, delivered as finished tracks ready for mixing.

  6. 06

    Not sure what you need?

    Send the brief and the date. Iyke will tell you what the job needs.

    Book Iyke

06 / Booking

Book Iyke

Tours, sessions, productions, TV and award shows, MD work. Send the date, the city and what you need.

iyke [at] iykeabu [dot] com