Afrobeat and latin influences combine to create their unique Soma Soma sound as they celebrate the release of their new album, with support from Cameroon’s Muntu Valdo.
SOMA SOMA
Bristol’s Anglo-Brazilian groovers have successfully pulled off a clever blend of Afro-Latin influences which can only be defined as their own SOMA SOMA sound. Jorge Ben meets Pat Thomas where winding compositions, soaring horns and driving percussion deliver an emotionally vibrant experience that will transport you to sunnier climes.
Brazilian percussion underpins Afrobeat brass lines offering a double dose of dance oblivion if you're a Huxley fan.
"It's like being on holiday" BBC Radio 6 Music
MUNTU VALDO
Progenitor of the amazing Sawablues, Muntu Valdo’s music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery.
Muntu Valdo belongs to the Sawa people who populate the length of Cameroon’s coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. His father is from the small village of Dibombari, his mother from the Malimba Islands out in the Atlantic Ocean, famous for their giant oysters. Muntu then, is a Sawa. Blessed by the legendary «Miengu» (mermaids) who are known to protect those who worship them, his mesmerising bluesy music is seeped in the oceans, mangroves, waterfalls and rivers that dominate the region.
First discovered alongside some of the great names of world music including Ali Farka Touré, Manu Dibango, Lokua Kanza, Eko Roosevelt. Muntu’s debut album “Gods & Devils” was met with rave reviews in France, as well as in Cameroon and throughout Africa.
It was described by NME as "a rapturous record that shudders with joy and passion”.
In 2008, Muntu moved to London. Over the recent years he has toured the UK’s most prestigious venues supporting the likes of multi-award-winning jazz bass player singer extraordinaire Richard Bona, multi-award-winning British jazz star Dennis Rollins, and collaborating in a 30 dates tour with Grammy award winning South African legends Lady Smith Black Mambazo. His second Album “The One & The Many” released by WMG on Warner Jazz received critical acclaim. Muntu Valdo is now firmly established on the live scene as a solo artist and is preparing a new Album due to be released in 2022.
“Pure spiritual uplift” – Metro
“Music to banish sadness” – The Times
TIMES:
2200 - 2300 Muntu Valdo
2330 - 0100 Soma Soma