An Interview with ABFAB

Absolutely Fabulous Duo, better known as ABFAB, have become one of Cape Town’s most in-demand live acts, redefining high-energy performance with a lineup that looks minimal on paper but explodes on stage.

With Lisa “MYNX” Hugo on powerhouse lead vocals and Sean “STYX” Nunan behind the drum kit, this duo doesn’t simply perform music – they ignite it.

I recently had a chat with the duo, this is what they had to say.

Where was your very first gig together and what do you remember of this day?

Lisa: “It was at The Dubliner in Long Street. Sean needed a stand-in singer and… 2400+ gigs later, I’m still here.”

Sean: “Yes, The Dubliner. I just remember how blown away I was by Lisa’s voice. All I kept thinking while we were performing was: please stay! Please stay!”

ABFAB has played countless gigs over the years. What does it take for an artist to be this committed?

Lisa: “We love what we do. We both have families to support, so the financial aspect is a big motivator. Also, you need to get along with your bandmate – especially when you spend so much time together. Sean and I complement each other musically and connected from our first gig. We’re both Capricorns with birthdays three days apart. We also “box” like siblings sometimes. We live and breathe ABFAB, so it’s our lifestyle.”

Sean: “Communication is massive, and also reinventing yourself so you don’t become outdated. Lisa and I set monthly goals for what we want to achieve. We keep adding new songs every other week so we stay relevant. You won’t have longevity if you play the same 35 songs in the same order every night expecting the same result.”

What is the most memorable gig that you have played to date?

Lisa: “The De Grendel Concerts – opening for Just Jinger, Sunset Sweatshop, and most recently The Gipsy Kings.”

Sean: “Definitely The Gipsy Kings. Finally being invited to open for an international act was mind-blowing. We love big stages. I also loved the Bastille Festival and Champagne Festival in Franschhoek last year — very festive party crowds. We’re opening for Boney M on 20 December at Stanford Hills Estate and at De Grendel Wine Farm on 21 December. Really looking forward to those.”

ABFAB are signed to LAB Records in the Netherlands. Congratulations! How did this international contract come about?

Sean: “Thank you. So, on 16 June – Father’s Day – I was chilling at home when Lisa sent me lyrics for Wake Up. I added a piano hook that had been in my head and a basic drum groove, then sent it to my producer friend Brad Grobler from BIG PRODUCTIONS in Rotterdam. We used to write together years ago, so I trusted him to be honest.”

“The next morning, I woke up to the first demo of Wake Up. We were stoked. Brad said he was shopping a few demos to record labels and would include ours. LAB Records loved it and asked two things: Are there more songs? And can ABFAB perform live? That was it. We’ve now signed a 12-track album deal.”

ABFAB is well-known for being a powerhouse cover band. When did you start writing your own songs, and how did it happen?

Lisa: “Sean has been nagging me for years, and I believe everything is about timing. Earlier this year, I woke up from a dream and suddenly felt like it was time. I needed to express my thoughts, desires, highs and lows through our music. The lyrics have been pouring out of me – I’ve already filled an entire book. Brad and Sean can’t keep up.”

Your two new singles, “Wake Up” and “Tequila Nights”, have been released. How have they been received?

Sean: “The response has been phenomenal. We’ve been getting rave reviews locally and internationally. We’ve done six South African radio interviews since August. ABFAB has also been featured on several USA blogs and quite a few local publications and digital magazines.”

Lisa: “Our fans have been so encouraging. They love both tracks. Everything is moving so quickly – we’re loving the journey.”

Has there been any international airplay for ABFAB‘s tracks?

Sean: “Somehow we’ve generated a massive industry buzz, especially in the United States. We were the Featured Artist of the Week on Los Angeles’ Breaking Sound Radio, which targets A&R and music execs. We now have a confirmed promotion deal in New York targeting the East Coast, including planned promotion to Sirius XM and Campus Radio from November 2025.”

“We’ve secured airplay on both the UK and USA streams of Amazing Radio, plus 15 UK plays and a feature on BBC Introducing. Across Europe, Wake Up was picked up by 23 stations in the Netherlands via Diggipluggen, with additional airplay in France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.”

“Spotify playlist placements have boosted momentum further, including multiple features in Brazil, Australia, and the USA.”

What advice would you give young aspiring artists who want to follow music as a career?

Lisa: “Keep dreaming big, stay humble, stay focused, and work hard. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Nothing is impossible — and avoid negative people at all costs.”

Sum ABFAB up in only three words.

Lisa: “Fun, funny, fabulous.”

Where can fans find you this season?

Sean: “We have a jam-packed summer schedule. Check out our website – www.abfabmusic.com – for all upcoming shows.”

I would like to thank Sean and Lisa for this interview. I wish them all of the best with their future musical endeavours.

Watch this space for updates in the Interviews category on Running Wolf’s Rant.