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ARTIST ROSTER 2024

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Afro-Funk/Hip-Hop

Cardiff-based collective Afro Cluster are perfect proof that genre boundaries and national borders are a help not a hindrance when it comes to creating musical magnificence. Inspired by the legacy of West-African funk, Afro-beat and the golden age of Hip-Hop, their live shows reflect this copious cacophony of sounds and influences, encompassing a rally cry for our generation to confront disparity and injustice, alongside an opportunity to relinquish inhibition and have a Cluster shaped riot!

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Folk/Dub

The 6 piece live band fuses the mystical energy and instruments of traditional Scottish music and Gaelic song with the heavy, meditative, driving basslines digital dub music. The band is a unique mix of experienced traditional folk musicians and Dub Reggae specialists, using acoustic and digital instruments. The result is an explosive heavyweight blend of what the band call ‘Future Dub from Ancient Scotland’.

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Hip-Hop

MCS Binbags and Dur Brain are joined on stage by DMC finalist, DJ Mr Fitz. This is a return to the roots of what make Binbag Wisdom great: Two best friends, sharing their infectious humour through deft lyricism on hard hitting beats. After a brief hiatus to work on solo projects and collaborations with Dr. Syntax and K.O.G, and their 4th studio release on the way soon, the boys are very much ‘back in town’. The undeniably charming stage chemistry of Binbag Wisdom is backed by their incredible skill. Theatrical and hilarious, these are surely two of UK Hip Hop’s upcoming top goal scorers. Hip Hop meets comedy meets performance art…back of the net!

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Folk Orchestra

The UK’s biggest folk band. A stage busting 50 members mix traditional English and Celtic reels, heaving rock grooves, funk, jazz, hip-hop, ska and reggae. Eastern European and Asian flourishes complete the sound, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the group.

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Hip-Hop Fusion

The inimitable Franz Von. You may recognise Franz as the high octane emcee of much loved afrofusion kings K.O.G. & The Zongo Brigade, and jazz fusionists TC & The Groove Family. In 2024 he brings his own unique flavour of Afro, Hiphop and Jazz to the stage with his brand new solo project, featuring an all star, razor sharp band, synonymous with the integrity, passion, and virtuosic musicianship you’d expect from one of Diplomats of Sounds newest collaborators.

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Afro-psychedelic Funk

A high energy Afro Fusion Collective fusing powerful and upbeat Latin & African percussion, brass, vocal chants, Blues, Jazz, Afro-beat, and Funk, to create a unique sound and an invigorating party atmosphere that will get you up on your feet.

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Hip-Hop/DJ

JAMU samples genres from around the world, with classic hip-hop tracks, to create a cleverly constructed showcase, which includes reggae, jazz, dub, swing, trip-hop, with nods to drum and bass and other bass driven music.

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World/Fusion

Ghana’s finest, K.O.G, Best known for his loose limbed, bendy bodied, fantastically explosive live performances, Is back with a brand new project; Blending high-life, hip hop, hypnotic and high energy African jazz, incredible vocal dexterity and ballistic party vibes. These won’t just cut the rug, they’ll wear it out!!

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Dance

Michael Sebastian collects his favourite musicians & dancers to create a wild show of improvisational joy. Sebastian improvises dance music. His music has the structure of electronic; the freedom of jazz, and the depth of world music. A renowned live artist & dance musician, London busker, Sofar Sounds headliner, this show sees Sebastian collate all of his worlds for an epic party. Using live-looping, collaboration, improvisation and a sense of absolute freedom on stage Sebastian creates a transcendental space for both audiences and performers to enjoy & express themselves freely.

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Jazz

Drawing you in with progressive grooves, energetic rhythms and jazz fluidity, Nebula Sun launches you into psychedelic space with their evolving riffs that weave through thick layers of delay and distortion. Whilst leaning into moments of ‘raw chaos’ with their double saxophone and heavy bass, Nebula Sun also bring moments of tranquillity with soulful vocals and lyrics that inspire togetherness. “A burst of radiant interstellar sunshine”

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Rock and Roll

Pigeon Wigs are a 5-piece rock ’n’ roll band newly sprung from Cardiff’s fertile soil. Formed from the writing partnership of Harry Franklin-Williams & Louis Jugessur, their music ranges from the bombastic and unrelenting to the sombre and fragile, indulging whatever genre best suits their aims while maintaining a through line that one can only describe as Pigeon Wigs.

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Afro/Latin/Funk

Featuring Ska, Funk, Latin vibes, Swing and many more it doesn’t matter what style is played but how it can be used taking the crowd to another level of movement. Standing on all kind of stages, but never losing the roots to street music to subvert the public order and making some cash, This is Rumba de Bodas

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Jazz/Alt

Stevie Toddler is a composer, bassist and singer based in Bristol. She began her musical journey as a classical double bassist and has since migrated to performing in various alternative pop and jazz-influenced outfits on both double bass and bass guitar.

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Jazz/World/Fusion

10-piece ensemble celebrating a myriad of cultures, and the unity that music provides for humanity. An exploration of global styles and genres, including Afrobeat, Breakbeat, Jungle, Jazz and Highlife.

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Funk/Soul/HipHop

These two Bristol based rascals are pioneers of the party, teachers of turntablism, bringers of bangers. They say…. “We like breaks, funky bass lines, horns, and dance floor grooves. We’re inspired by the golden eras of funk, soul, disco and hip-hop, and we try and cram that into three and a half minute songs”. Get the picture!? Definitely won’t bring you out in a rash, they might make your feet hurt though. Not to be missed.

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Soul/Funk 

Tom McGuire & the Brassholes are a funk soul powerhouse from Glasgow. Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft and untouchable in live performance, the band is carving a niche of their own. Following the success of their 2019 debut album, the group are ready to enter into an exciting 2nd phase.

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DJ

We are a Bristol based community and events collective. Aiming to enrich and expand the opportunities for creatives in Bristol (and beyond), we have built a proud relationship with the community and continue to foster our growing audience of open minded creatives - gaining extensive experience in programming and delivering live music and DJ events across a multitude of spaces with strong sales and audience retention.

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Jazz/Fusion

​Agbeko embody a heady concoction of Afrobeat, psych-rock, Ethiojazz and Protest Song. Channelled through an onslaught of horns, irresistible grooves and powerful lyrics, Agbeko's songs strive to call out corruption and embolden the collective pull towards societal change and healing in present times. They are the soundtrack for a congregation revelling upon a world teetering on the edge of collapse.

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Contemporary Jazz

Awen Ensemble are a Leeds based Contemporary Jazz Collective. Taking inspiration from global folk music, the band are melodically driven with a modal and groove based focus. Incredible virtuosic performances from all members……These guys are properly listening to each other which means you should too!

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World

Blick Bassy is a Bassa singer-songwriter from Cameroon. Bassy writes his songs in his native language, Bassa. Bassy's band Macase toured Cameroon for ten years until winning the Prix Elysse Musique du Monde in 2001, which convinced Bassy to immigrate to ParisFrance. After performing in small venues, he secured a recording deal for his first two albums. The first, entitled Leman, was released in 2009, and was followed two years later by Hongo Calling.

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Live Drum & Bass

Their high octane, award winning live show is considered to be the World's best live drum & bass act. Expect Fire from the Brass, Heart Wrenching Soul from the incredible voices of Celestine and Laurent John, and a rhythm section sent from space to shatter the Earth!! This promises to be a unique experience of cyclical energy, unity and euphoria. Let’s Go. Dr Meaker!!!

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Funk/Soul/Hip-Hop

Freshly are an evolution of funk, soul and hip hop hailing from the vibrant South West UK, are a musical force that seamlessly blends infectious rhythms with soulful melodies

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Funk

On a three-man crusade to set dance floors alight with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, Edinburgh’s High Fade captured the attention of a global audience with their music amassing over 30 million views and streams within six months of their first release and, in the process, gaining recognition from music heavyweights including Jack Black, Cypress Hill, Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes, and Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine

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DJ

Jimi's musical origins are rooted in hip hop, soul and funk but brings to the turntables a fusion of pin-point scratching over breaks & bass music.

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Hip-Hop/Jazz

Influenced by New Orleans Jazz, Soul and Hip Hop, Lazy Habits blast their sound into the 21st Century with hard hitting beats and slick lyrics about modern British culture and urban life. The band describes their sound as: "Beats, Rhymes and Brass of the highest calibre.”

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Violinica

Mike Dennis is a classically-trained violinist and poet whose boyhood love of Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Gangstarr led him to create a unique kind of string-heavy hip hop music he refers to as Violinica. Not only that but he’s potentially the nicest man in music. Even nicer than Dave Grohl I reckon…..!!

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Americana/Roots

Fronted by identical twin sisters and supported by a formidable rhythm section, NOOKEE offer tastefully served musical flavours for you to stir together as you please. Combined to make one big soup of sound, they bring a mouth watering experience to any person, from any walk of life. Driven by blood matched harmony woven into sunny-side up rhythm and blues, these twins pour their soul into the genre-busting sound of their rhythm section. Varnished with funky aesthetics, this outfit will quench the thirst of both eyes and ears.

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Singer/Songwritter

Potts is a natural soul singer, lyrically honest with a penchant for a catchy chorus, He’s as happy on his own with a guitar and kick drum as he is fronting a heavy band. Since cutting his teeth as a guitarist and singer on the festival and live circuit across Europe and the UK, he has immersed himself in the world of theatre, shifting the context of his practise with great success gaining critical acclaim for his work as a composer and performer alike.

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Tropical/World

This is pure sunshine. Genre defying producer and DJ Sam Redmore, backed now by a full live band, presents a truly rare fusion of Disco, Afrobeat, Broken beat, Cumbia and Samba with wide cross-cultural appeal and huge danceability.

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Funk/Soul

Stone Cold Hustle are a 7 piece funk & neo soul band from Bristol channeling 70s era funk sound, but bringing it up to date with a modern attitude. Stone Cold Hustle bring raw vocals, heavy grooves, tight rhythms and virtuoso improvisational skills shaking dance floors loose across Bristol and beyond.

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Brass/Techno

The energy of electronic music performed live by a brass and percussion band. With an authorial repertoire full of textures, effects, and drops. TechnoBrass mixes the sound of Rio's brass bands with the pulse of electronic beats, creating an explosive hybrid atmosphere.

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Ska

A little bit of London for yer…… The Kubricks. Seven-piece, mixing Ska, Reggae, and Infectious Melodic Pop. Been around for a decade now and have firmly planted themselves as one of the must see UK Ska bands. These chaps have a seeming knack of bringing the best Ska sensibilities, modern pop perfections, and socially conscious lyrics to echo the voice of a generation, twisting them together to present carefully crafted, he’d nodding bangers!! 

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Folk

The award-winning UFQ have ignited international audiences with their high-energy, genre-defying acoustic music since 2009. Joe Broughton, Paloma Trigas, Dan Walsh and Tom Chapman are the Urban Folk Quartet. Four highly accomplished musicians, a dozen instruments and four voices coming together to craft a knockout show of globally–influenced, electrifying acoustic music that has been taking the European folk scene by storm.

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Folk/Storyteller

Will Varley is a singer songwriter from Deal on the UK’s Kent coast, He is influenced by the great American and Canadian songwriters of the 1960’s and 70’s including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Tracy Chapman. He has gone from selling 60 tickets to his first album launch in 2014 to headlining London’s 2000 capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire in 2018.

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Soul/Country

Since moving to Leeds 10 years ago, Alice Kim has spent time collaborating, refining and now, in her Debut E.P, exposing a soulfully evolved sound that combines Soul, Pop, Indie-Folk and honest writing that captures the dance of existence as a 20-something woman. 

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Soul

Defying the confines of a singular genre, Aziza Jaye dwells in the hills of Sheffield. The UK born Artist, Songwriter and Producer grew up as a 'Sound system baby', where she would often see her dad warming up for the night ahead. With music in her blood she willingly took up clarinet and joined an orchestra.

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Samba

BLOCO B performs and celebrates Rio de Janeiro Carnival style samba. Emphasis is on creating authentic versions of Rio samba tunes using rhythm, song, melody& dance. To achieve this they blend percussion & drumming (bateria) with singers, cavaquinho players and dancers.

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Blues/Americana

Exploring the intersection of multiple genres in their music, Echo Town seek to inspire, motivate and captivate their audience with powerful drums, deep reverberating rhythms and invigorating lyrics. They are a conduit for musical medicine.  Echo Town are Richard Harrison (guitar, vocals, lap slide guitar, electric guitar, harmonica and didgeridoo) and Robert Harrison (drums, percussion, vocals, djembe). Their songs range in genres but are predominantly powerful, energetic and inspirational.

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Reggae

Introducing the Friendly Fire Band, Birmingham UK’s most active Reggae/Dancehall live outfit both in the stage and in the studio with releases on the Friendly Fire Music label.

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Live/Electronic

Lead by DJ Hiphoppapotamus, Hippo Sound System are a hybrid live/electronic group that blend global music with sound system culture! Exploring exciting new global bass fusions is what drives this creative machine, as they mix Afro-Latin rhythms with their favourite elements of dance music such as Jungle, Hip Hop, Breaks, House and Dub!

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DJ

Advisor on music, festivals and culture. Hip-hop Coordinator at Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales. Established DJ and all round purveyor of uplifting sounds

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Surf Rock

Tipped as the hottest new Surf Rock Band in the UK right now, This experience is sure to be wild, exotic, and drenched in Reverb! Heavy heavy surf beats, meandering latin bass lines, and intricate sun soaked Gtr riffage, link limbs to deliver rocking instrumentals to get us a shakin’ and a shimmying’…..

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Jazz/Funk

Muttnik is a high energy Cosmic Funk trio based in London. With a blended mixture of Funk, Jazz, SouL. It is also a Dog that has been launched into space!

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Dub Reggae

Omega Nebula are a digital dub duo with firm roots in the UK sound system and dub reggae scene. This Husband and Wife duo offer a unique blend of dub reggae and dance music, that brings the heaviness you need for late night club slots and festival sound systems. Revered for their high energy performances, in their live show you can expect a dynamic fusion of synthesizers, dub sirens, live instruments and killer vocals…

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Alt/Soul/Folk

An eclectic troupe based in Manchester, Honeyfeet’s heavy sound spans from the bountiful to the subtle, with everything from big-band swing to Alabama blues-tinged folk, all held together by the powerful vocals and flute from Ríoghnach.

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Reggae

State of Satta are a 7-piece Reggae band based in Leeds. Having formed in the ashes of 2020, the band have quickly established a name for themselves with their energetic stage show, rambunctious bass lines and beautifully crafted multi-lingual melodies. Inspired by the sounds of UK Reggae and Cuban music, State of Satta are carrying on the lineage of bands like Gentleman’s Dub Club, UB40 and Fat Freddy’s Drop amongst many other dub influences. 

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World

Multi instrumentalist, Kora player, producer, composer, teacher and song-writer. Born a Griot in a 700-year old tradition, the Kora - harp-lute with 22 strings - is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people's culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.

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Jazz/World

Forged in the fires of Leeds’ late-night DIY scene, Têtes de Pois are a seven piece cinematic jazz outfit whose music, originally intended to heat up local dancefloors, has matured to become something more reflective And spiritual.

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Ska

They Say Jump are an unstoppable force united by a love of Reggae and Ska music.

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Funk

Vincen García is a Spanish bassist, gifted with an excellent technique and an inexhaustible creative capacity. With more than 14 years of experience, he has managed to forge an unmistakable style based on a modern sound and a performance full of grit and energy.

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ARTIST ROSTER 2023

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Afrobeat/High-Life

Critically Acclaimed, Internationally Diverse, 10-Piece, Afro-Orchestra led by Ghanaian Djembe master and vocalist Afla Sackey. Blending High-Life, Afrobeat, Traditional Ghanaian Rhythms, Tight Funk and Roots Music this ensemble is a true spectacle.

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Rock

Absolute Power. Guts. A Rawness that cannot be taught, nor learned for that matter. A true Rock n Roll performer. Once described as a musical Force of Nature, this incredible songstress, straight from the rolling hills of Ireland, is a rising star. What a voice. 

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Live Breaks/Drum & Bass

Sounds that make you want to move & dance together again, whilst satisfying any craving for the menacing side of bass music.  Their 2 piece Drums and Modular Synthesis set is never the same show twice, Injecting life into the music on stage, where it belongs.

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Producer/DJ

A special mix brought together by DJ Chris Arnold showcasing a collection of covers, remixes, mashups as well as tunes that sampled arguably the greatest band that ever existed - The Beatles. Expect to hear plenty of reggae, ska, latin, hip hop, funk and even drum & bass takes on the wonderful music created by John, Paul, George & Ringo. Welcome to The Beatles Dub Club.

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Ska

Chainska Brassika represents everything there is about London's underground ska scene. The band bring energy, swagger, attitude and an atmosphere everywhere they go, which has seen the band establish themselves as one of the hottest UK acts in the genre.

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Reggae/Soul

Easy Stride Band use a deft fusion of soul and reggae to create upbeat, feel-good music, combining live vocal and guitar loops with deep bass and head-nodding beats.  Fun, fresh and fantastic! Immediately captivating, this uplifting trio scream positivity and celebration, a sentiment which is echoed through the band's performance style.

 

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Reggae

Shimmy shimmy ya, shimmy yam, shimmy yay!  Following three decades of working with the creme de la creme of the reggae world, Winston Williams aka Horseman steps into the spotlight with the Mighty Upper cut Band. This is a serious Combination pack!! Roots Reggae Royalty, a full blooded thoroughbred, true pedigree!

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DJ/Producer

4 x Champion DJ Title Holder JFB is considered the UK’s leading Scratch DJ and Turntablist. A uniquely talented artist; JFB uses his superb technical ability to appeal to any live environment. Be it a Nightclub, Festival or Dive Bar, he never fails to entertain, covering all musical genres from Hiphop, Funk, Dubstep, Glitch Hop, Trap, Swing, Breakbeat and Drum & Bass in his own ‘JFB’ style.

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Spoken Word/Dance

British Born, Sweden based, Nigerian Story Teller Joshua Idehen is a true wordsmith. Silver tongued, Rich Tones, Gospel, Feel Good Choruses and Whompy beats to lift the spirit, move the body and transport the mind. Before embarking on his solo career in collaboration with Producer Ludvig Parment; JI contributed Poetry to the work of Mercury Nominees ‘The Comet is Coming’ and ‘Son’s of Kemet’. Having also kicked it with Alabaster DePlume and the Calabashed crew, this character is worldly wise, epically versed, conscious and current.

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Soul

This is the sound of modern Black-British Soul. A duo hailing from Nottingham, these two Sisters of Soul are a multifaceted harmonic force, embodying contrast and compliment, ebb and flow, balance. Signed to Tru-Thoughts the future is bright. Check in for perfect harmonies and soulful grooves.

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Tech/House/Dance

The former frontman of The Correspondents, one of Britain’s most in-demand festival acts for a decade, went solo in spectacular style last year, unveiling a new sound which draws on decades of UK dance music, from tech house and jungle to garage and house. This summer Mr Bruce lets loose as never before. Lyrically candid yet flamboyant in delivery, as honest as it is inventive and as theatrical as we’ve come to expect from the bendy-bodied performer.

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World/Jazz

A blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers join forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, latin, soul, reggae and dance music - expect ultra-tight musicianship and a powerful 10 piece, big band sound.

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Jazz

New wave dancefloor instrumentalists Snazzback bring a renewed, daring energy to dance music. The 7-piece embrace their Bristol beginnings to create a sound fusing abstract beats with spiralling improvisation, that doesn’t shy away from chaos. Their music is soaked in influences including interlocking West African rhythms, rootsy Brazilian flavours, sprawling soundscapes, deep dubstep basslines and flickering arpeggiators.

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Funk 

The Wax Preachers are a 6-piece hard hitting, horn led, instrumental funk band from London. Relatively new on the the scene, but with a wealth of experience to the game, featuring members from London's finest Soul Grenades and Smith and The Honey Badgers.

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World

Live African dance music, fusing Congolese guitar + Gambian kora virtuosity with UK electronic sensibilities to create captivating, beautiful, dancefloor- friendly new music for a new generation of world music fans with one foot in the clubs.

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Hip-hop/Jazz

Forward thinking, British Born, Irish/Ugandan Poet and Songwriter Amy True has been delivering her unique fusion of politicised hip hop, jazz and soul since 2011. A true wordsmith, Amy’s steady stream of conscious, iconoclastic verse sits in visceral harmony amongst soulful melodic hooks and rich jazz motifs as she punches out poetry with unapologetic flare.

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Reggae/Soul/Pop/Ska

From humble busking beginnings Bare Jams now sit firmly ‘pon top of the Reggae tree. A six strong collective, a sunshiney disposition, nostalgic flavours of ska, dub, reggae and soul all contribute to the construction of beautifully crafted songs, relatable lyrics and singable choruses to stick in your lug holes and yo dancing daps. You can fall in love to this band, you can dance your feet raw to this band, you can sing your voice away to this band. THIS BAND are a must for your summer. Big love Bare Jams you beautiful buggers you.

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Heavy Brass

BB are an explosive and energetic brass band from the Netherlands. This is next level brass music. Explosive and energetic, combining the energy of brass with the attitude of rock ‘n’ roll, the drive of funk and the flow of hip hop.

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Jazz

The brain-child of award winning, Glasgow based, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and visual artist Liam Shortall. Corto.alto bring together an international ensemble of genre spanning musicians in deep exploration of new and original sounds from the world of Jazz & beyond. Expect addictive melodies, a super tight rhythm section and inimitable musicianship from this incredibly adept, virtuosic assemblage.

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Reggae/Hip-Hop/DnB

Big voice, big bass and big hair is what Singer/MC Eva Lazarus is all about! Her musical flavours span across genres from Reggae to Hip Hop, DnB to Jungle and beyond!

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Hip-hop

Straight out of Cambridge, HybridMp is an alternative Hip-Hop artist, at the beginning of a very exciting musical journey. Expect intricate flows, thought provoking lyrics & a heartfelt relatability. A key partner in Cambridge based collective - Sabotage Audio, Nigee is definitely on the rise, and we are mega pumped to have him on Chai this year. 

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Jazz

Join The Din is an international ensemble that embodies the vibrant and exploratory nature of the contemporary UK Jazz scene. Consisting of explosive double drums, duelling saxophones, pumping bass and imaginative synths, Join The Din are driven by intricate rhythmic interplay and intense melodic improvisations, combining influences from NU Jazz, Afrobeat, Psychedelia, Progressive Rock, EDM and Rave.

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Psychedelic Rock

Karma Sheen is the brainchild of singer-songwriter, and lead guitarist Sameer Khan. An incredible blend of classic rock ala Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Hindustani classical and most notably a strong link with Sameer's cultural heritage through Sufi-poetry inspired lyricism.

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Alt Pop

Bristol based, collaborative ensemble that have that uncanny ability to find that perfect line between pop and experimentation. They achieve a rare and colourful psychedelic minimalism that is strikingly engaging. Bone-melting. Intravenous Cup-a-Soup. Intimacy. A unique and bright collage of dead-good. Not for the faint of constitution. For divers not paddlers. 

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Jazz/World

A collective of friends and musicians challenging each other to express themselves honestly. And the result is a sound that we’re really feeling ~ lively percussion, sultry sax lines, twinkling keys and a variety of vocal textures.

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Afro-Futurist

Afro-futurist band ONIPA is the collaboration between multi-instrumentalist artist and rapper K.O.G (Kweku Sackey) and Tom Excell, which fuses music from Ghana and London, alongside bandmates Finn Booth (Nubiyan Twist) and Wonky Logic (Steam Down).

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Indie

Soaring indie anthems for the modern generation. Hip-hop-inflected beats, dance-tinged rhythms and blistering breakdowns. This is pure, eclectic adventurism from Walsalls finest.

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Alt Rock/Ska/Punk

WATP as you’ve never seen them before delivering a capricious, chaotic, punky tight dance ska and bass infused pop music party especially created for the final live slot of the festival. A true brotherhood on an endless creative mission to expressing everything they’ve ever been inspired by and that which comes from their own unlimited souls. Perhaps this is just what makes them such a thoroughly exciting and entertaining band to follow.

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Reggae

Rapidly ascending Welsh Reggae star Scott, possesses a truly natural soul and truly astonishing power. Constantly pushing the boundaries of her genre and with great eclecticism, her voyage of discovery is responsible for creating a truly authentic yet unique reggae sound. This is Lovers Rock and beyond.

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Genre Smashing Thrash Funk

The ANIMANZ & JUANITA EUKA safari has been adventuring for a decade now, fuelled by body-popping funk raves, basement-cumbia bailars and psych-rock festivals... Raising pulses at dance-thriller shows in our residency performances and special event gigs throughout Europe.

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Folk Rock

These three sisters can't recall when or why they started playing, the music’s always just been there. Their hearts lie within a foundation of classic "roots music and Americana" however, the urge to break the rules of traditional music has always been at the forefront of their work. Baskery is a band built on what three people can do together and it's all about turning the music on its head, blending the straightforwardness of punk with the subtlety of singer/ songwriting.

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Folk

Welsh born , Newcastle based, Ceitidh blends warming cello tones and soaring vocals to create a transformative sound that puts a progressive twist on the alt.folk genre. Her live show is an innovative take on traditional and alternative folk songs, sitting alongside her own original material which explores topics ranging from illuminating everyday experiences to subjects of deeper self reflection.

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Reggae

Singer songwriter Dub Princess has been writing new music with Hotsteppas for the past few years, as well as adding her original songs to the set. This has sparked a new flavour to an already established and well respected band in the Bristol scene.

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African/Dance/World

Gasper Nali is a roots one-man-band from the small town of Nkhata Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. He plays a one-string home-made 3-metre long Babatonibass guitar with a stick and an empty beer bottle, and together with a cow skin kick drum and catchy melodies, he creates the most amazing and danceable original Afro Beats possible!

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Gospel Soul

Reaching into the worlds of Soul, Blues, Gospel, Funk and Disco; Izo’s powerful vocals, uplifting melodies, rich harmonies and deft, Jazz influenced keyboards set her apart from her contemporaries. Her songs are built for Live; sincere and compelling lyrics delivered over tight and melodic grooves. A unique setup, shunning typical soul instrumental combinations to instead feature up to 9 gospel vocalists, this harmonious horde of perfect pitch, provide a truly exceptional live show.

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Hip-Hop

Manchester based, Conscious, Current, Elastic and chilled….. Backed by a super eclectic, mega tight live band; Expect a banging live show from these Hip Hop heavyweights.

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Alt-Rock

Bristol born and Raised 4 piece, they’ve been defining their own unique brand of sophisticated, sludgy, sex rock for around a decade. This is not just any old rock band…….There’s an underpinning story behind everything they do. Celebrate, the weirdo’s, the unlucky ones, the clumsy ones, and sit comfortably in whatever skin you’ve been born into, these songs are for all of us…..Massive riffs, even massiver drumming….This is Little Thief

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Gothic Witch Folk

From ancient sea shanties to southern gothic ballads, haunting indie folk to full power witchy feminist sass; Message from the Ravens are the girlband who sing the lost stories that the ravens have witnessed since the dawn of time

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Post Punk/Pop Rock

Driven by post-punk rawness, yet still letting fly with moments of audacious, operatic singing over the tumultuous drums, Nuala Honan leads a killer band through a hopeful pop-dream with her skill for timeless song writing.

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Heavy Folk 

Putting the groove into a selection of traditional and original European Folk music dating from the medieval times to present day, it’s difficult – nay, impossible – for your limbs to remain stationary when you’re within earshot of them in full flight. The fact that they often play with a knowing wink shouldn’t obscure their impeccable technique, and outstanding musicianship that raises the roof in every place they play.

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Rap/Soul/DnB

It's still early days for this Essex based, self taught, 21 year old producer, singer, rapper, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ...but there's been a rich and varied life lived in Wavysof's short years. Every tricky situation and circumstance she’s found encompassed in her societal troubles are displayed within her undeniable story-telling ability, underground melodic sounds and the incredible honesty and relatability within her lyrics. Messages of love and truth ring out from her powerful, soulful voice. Feels like being punched in the heart repeatedly. Rising Star right here.

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The Chai Wallah's family are welcoming submissions for new artists to join us for the 2025 festival season. 

Please send us your most up to date Videos/Tracks/Biog to show us  where you are now as performers

APPLY TO PLAY CHAI WALLAHS 2025

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