Line Up:
MARTIN DAWS: YOUNG PEOPLE'S POET LAUREATE FOR WALES
Young People's Laureate for Wales Martin Daws will be the main MC and compere on the main stage at this year's Kaya Festival!An electrifying poet whose live sets blend free musicality and innovative lyricism in a unique improvised theatre, Martin Daws' work explores life, nature and who the hell we think we are, anyway! Martin's poetry shows a rare breadth of style and voice, and he has also been introduced to an audience as 'a thoroughly nice man'. Broadcast on numerous occasions, Martin has published in international journals, and performed extensively around the UK and Ireland. His musical collaborations with Electro-Acoustic Composer Rob Mackay have toured internationally, taking video of Martin in performance and recordings of his voice to multi-media performances in 4 continents. Martin will be on stage performing a specially commissioned poem called 'Kaya' for the festival.'One of the UK's Top Performance Poets' Square Magazine
DJ AFRIKA BAMBAATAA
Respectfully known as the "Godfather" of Hip Hop and the "Father" of Electro Funk, Afrika Bambaataa represents decades of talent and creativity; from being the leader of the New York street gang Black Spades to creating the global, ground-breaking Universal Zulu Nation in the 70s and spreading the hip hop culture as the Grandfather of hip hop. Afrika Bambaataa showcased his skills in the prominent Bronx rap scene and quickly established himself as the Master of Records. Taking it to the next level, he formed two rap groups Jazzy 5 and Soulsonic Force and together with DJs, Grandmaster Flash and Kool DJ Herc, began experimenting with the percussive sections of music such as rock, funk and electro-pop, merging them together to produce pioneering new sounds. Bambaataa released his smash-hit debut single Planet Rock in 1983 which went gold and generated an entire movement of electro-funky rap and dance music. He continued to produce electro-funk and in 1984 went on to film the movie Beat Street with several other known hip hop artists which received critical acclaim and helped spread the sound of hip hop. The rise of turntables and the blossom of electronic music in the 90s brought Afrika Bambaataa new recognition well beyond the hip hop community. He has received several prominent awards for his impact in the music scene such as the Billboards Founders of Hip Hop Award in 2005 and was nominated in 2007 for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
FINLEY QUAYE MOBO and BRIT
award winning Finley Quaye is the latest addition to the Kaya Festival line up and it is fair to say that we are pretty pumped to welcome him to North Wales in 2013! Scottish born, Quaye made his recording debut in 1995 on A Guy Called Gerald's "Finley's Rainbow". He scored a solo deal with Epic Records, and, in late 1997, hit the UK Top 20 twice with "Sunday Shining", a loose Bob Marley cover, and "Even After All". His reputation was established by Maverick A Strike, an adventurous but accessible album released in September 1997, which sold gold less than three weeks later and led directly to the Brit Award victory. The album is now certified multi platinum. In 1998, Quaye performed George Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" for the Red Hot Organization's compilation album Red Hot + Rhapsody, a tribute to George Gershwin, which raised money for various charities devoted to increasing AIDS awareness and fighting the disease. Two more albums were released on Epic, Vanguard (2000) and Much More Than Much Love (2004).Quaye has worked with Osibisa, both on stage and in the recording studio, as well as Iggy Pop, Tricky, Randy Savage, Primal Scream, Lee Scratch Perry and Buju Banton. He has supported James Brown, Luciano, Weller, The Verve, Ben Harper, Fun Loving Criminals, Robbie Williams and The Stereo MCs, and has been supported by Amy Winehouse, Natty, Ken Boothe and Cath Coffey of the Stereo MCs. You can see why he will go down well at Kaya this year! We can't wait for him to hit the stage.
SOWETO KINCH
Brilliant Saxophone player Soweto Kinch makes his Kaya debut on the main stage on International Saturday; playing a fusion of jazz, African,hip hop influenced tunes this award winning artist will be one of the stars of Kaya 2013!Soweto Kinch has won numerous accolades including, in 2002, the Rising Star Award at the BBC Jazz Awards and the White Foundation world sax competition. In 2003 and 2007 he won the MOBO prize for Best Jazz Act. Also in 2003, his debut album Conversations With The Unseen was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, only just losing out to grime MC Dizzee Rascal!
THOMASTHOMAS
ThomasThomas is a Family... Featuring Thomas & Devaki, founding members of Samsara, a band that gained cult status within the Canadian live music scene through their legendary gigs. The couple also founded and directed the Komasket Music Festival in BC Canada for 10 years featuring some of the worlds most renowned world music artists; Arrested Development, Buffy St Marie, Diggable Planets and The Wailers. Building on this strong legacy and now joined by their two eldest sons Adriel & Damian, their recent relocation to London England has injected a fresh perspective and a renewed passion for music. They have shared the stage with the likes of, Lucky Dube, Great Big Sea, Daniel Powter, Arrested Development and The Wailers! ThomasThomas delivers Soul, Reggae Soca, Funk music with dance making grooves !
DJ COUSCOUS
Purveyor of extraordinary sounds from the streets of the world.. Lizard Stage resident and musical curator of The Rollright Fayre festival, Dj CousCous is a stallwart on the UK festival scene, perfoming at Glastonbury, Secret Garden, Womad, Playgroup, Sunrise and many more events. Expect a heavy mix of Afro, Latin & Gypsy rhythms, with a Junglist skank and a filthy bass from the streets of London Town!
CELLOMAN
Kaya welcomes this talented artist to perform on the main stage on International Saturday! Celloman are a band led by cellist and session musician Ivan Hussey. Their music is described as a fusion of world, jazz and classical with African and Middle Eastern rhythms.Celloman began in 2001 with the release of Aquador on Ivan Hussey's own independent record label Jambila Music. They have since gone on to release a further three albums and have played many gigs around the UK and Europe, including four appearances at Glastonbury Festival between 2002 to 2006, Exit Festival, Womad, Sauti za Busara and Glade Festival. Glorious Sumptious music!
THABANI BAND
Bringing African High Life to the party is this exciting band who have toured Japan, USA, Africa and europe! Thabani Band are a band who fuse african rhythms and soul grooves and they will be showcasing their new album at the festival. High tempo grooves to make your Heart and soul move!
BATCH GUEYE
Batch Gueye is a West African Griot, bringing his traditional music and dance from Senegal to the UK. With a long line of performing artists behind him, music and dancing was always an integral part of life and surrounded him since birth. As a dancer Batch has shared stages with the likes of Youssou Ndour, Baba Maal, Cheikh Lo, and Coumba Gawlo. Kaya welcomes this gifted musician and his band!
DRYMBAGO
Back by popular demand! This brilliant local North Wales based 12 piece have the very best of Afro-Latin-Welsh fusion at the heart of their music. Drymbago are in essence what Kaya Festival is all about – blending world cultures through music to unite under one umbrella. In the words of Tony Allen at Kaya 2012, "These guys are cookin'!"
DOMINGO CANDELARIO
Bringing a sweet taste of Havana to Kaya Festival this year! Talented Cuban singer songwriter Domingo Candelario performs songs from his Cuban roots with his band! Having toured and played at venues such as Ronnie Scotts, Jazz Cafe, Cafe De Paris, Domingo also sung on the same bill as Amy Winehouse during her album launch party for her iconic"Back to Black" album. This man is not to be missed!
BATALA BANGOR
Keeping the samba groove going will be local samba group Batala Bangor! Who have been bringing their captivating samba reggae rhythms to carnivals, clubs, music festivals since 2003! Kaya welcomes this fantastic group back for a second year!OI BRASIL!Starting the official Kaya Festival Party with a bang will be Oi Brasil! A group focused on bringing the Authentic Rio-Style Carnival Show to any event. They provide colourful and unforgettable entertainment with exuberant Brazilian dancers, luxurious Carnival costumes and unique live "Batucada" playing exciting samba rhythms. Come and watch and if its not raining join the procession as these Brazilian & Cuban ladies warm up the atmosphere with a high energy show on the main stage!
THE MAN FROM TIMBUCTU
From Timbuctu... to the Kaya Festival. The legendary mzungu returns to Bangor with some of the deepest Afrosounds ever committed to wax. Leaving no stone unturned in his travels and vinyl hunting and fresh back from a number of gigs in Europe, The Man From Timbuctu will be playing his unparalleled selections of Highlife, Afrobeat and Soukous on Saturday Afternoon.
MAD PROFESSOR DJ SET
Headlining Skaya Dub Sunday, Kaya are proud to announce pioneering Dub producer "MAD PROFESSOR" to headline the day!
Considered one of the leading producers of dub music's second generation and having played an instrumental role in transitioning dub into the digital age. He is a prolific producer, contributing to or producing nearly 200 albums. He has collaborated with reggae artists such as Lee "Scratch" Perry, Sly and Robbie, Pato Banton, Jah Shaka and Horace Andy, as well as artists outside the realm of traditional reggae and dub, such as Sade, Massive Attack, The Orb, and Brazilian DJ Marcelinho da Lua.THE SELECTER AND PAULINE BLACKKaya Festival add another legendary band to an already exciting bill with top Ska legends The Selecter featuring Pauline Black. It's been 2 years since pop/ska/2-tone legends The Selecter reunited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their best-selling album 'Too Much Pressure', which featured the classic hits 'On My Radio', 'Missing Words', 'Three Minute Hero' & 'The Whisper'. During that time, the band continued touring in UK & Europe, re-building thier fanbase and garnering excellent reviews. Not content just to rest on their heritage status, they wanted to say something about current times. Not to be missed!JOE
DRISCOLL AND SEKOU
In the port city of Marseilles, home to many a nomadic soul, Joe Driscoll first met Sekou Kouyate. The two were paired up to collaborate at the French festival 'Nuit Metis' (Nights of Mixed Race), and though they shared no common spoken language, they encountered no obstacles communicating through their music. After a few weeks of improvising and jamming, they had found a spiritual and musical bond of kindred spirits. The resulting album is a mad fusion of afrobeat, hip-hop, folk, and reggae, that defies any simple tags or description. We're just happy to have them at Kaya Festival this year!
DUB PISTOLS RETURN TO KAYA!
Back by popular demand! Having rocked the main stage last year, Kaya are pleased to announce the return of the mighty Dub Pistols on Skaya 'Dub' Sunday. From their early singles for Concrete Records to their genre defying 'Six Million Ways To Live' lp, the Dub Pistols have always added a much needed Rock n Roll swagger to the UK's dance scene. Chewing up hip-hop, dub, techno, ska & punk & spitting them out in a renegade futuristic skank they have consistently defied genres & exceeded the highest of expectations. Their genre-mashing abilities have led to remix work for the likes of Moby, Bono & Ian Brown and seen them work with hiphop legend Busta Rhymes and on the Y Tu Mama Tambien soundtrack.
TROJAN VS JSTAR SOUND CLASH
Kings of the arena! Kaya are happy to announce an exclusive sound clash on Skaya Dub Sunday between selector Stephen Nye of the legendary Trojan Records label and champion producer/remixer Jstar.. a reggae and roots clash to spice the Kaya vibe! JSTARJstar hails from West London and is an in-demand genre-switching DJ, playing bass flavoured shakers from DnB to Dancehall, Moombahton to Dubstep, Reggae to 60′s RnB. He has played around the globe from Mexico to Manchester, Denmark to Delhi.
Starting an underground label in 2003, Jstar began delivering reggae remixes on 7" vinyl. Producing such classics as 'No Diggity' (5 star rating in Mixmag), 'DWYCK' and Wooh-Ha', his releases were picked up by top DJs like Sir Norman Jay, Francois K, David Rodigan, Grandmaster Flash, John Peel, Benji B and Diplo."Jstar is an original don... Early dj that helped inspire the Major Lazer crew! Bad man!" DIPLO. TROJAN RECORDSStephen Nye returns to select some brilliant music from the legendary label...
The Trojan story begins in 1967 when the label was launched by Island Records as a showcase for the productions of Duke Reid. The name derived from the seven ton Leyland 'Trojan' trucks that were used to transport the producer's huge sound system around Jamaica, and which had emblazoned upon its sides, 'Duke Reid, The Trojan King Of Sounds'. The label has led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican sounds, from Rocksteady and early Reggae to the modern styles of Dancehall and Jungle. Highlighting the cream of Jamaican talent, with the likes of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Ken Boothe and Toots & The Maytals. The output of the leading producers who have been instrumental in the developing sound of Jamaican music has also received due attention, with the works of such legendary figures as Arthur 'Duke' Reid, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd and Leslie Kong all featuring prominently on Trojan releases.
FENOMENO: SKAYA 'DUB' SUNDAY SELECTOR
Fenomeno is an old school selector serving up a 360° view of reggae music from Ska, Rocksteady, Roots, Rub-a-Dub and Dub to new roots and Dancehall. Spreading positive vibrations he has played alongside Trojan Sound, Aba Shanti, Channel One and Zion Train, OneLove and Sentinel to name a few. Currently touring the UK and Europe, backing artists like Macka B, Dawn Penn, Susan Cadogan, and warming up for Bushman, Tippa Irie, Junior Marvin and many more. Catch him at One Love Festival (UK), Glade Festival (UK), Reggae Future Ruigoord (NL), Ariwa Back To Africa Festival (Gambia) and Kaya Festival (UK).STACEY COHENSinging live, Stacey has captivated audiences across the UK and beyond with intense, inspiring performances that effuse with love, intimacy and the energy of a woman who knows how to own the stage. Stacey's vibrancy and spirit are engaging a fan base that is growing, guaranteeing a stunning show whenever she performs. Stacey is continually pushing the boundaries of her writing both lyrically and musically to produce tracks that have to be listened to again and again.THE VENUS BUSHFIRESHelen makes a welcome return to Kaya Festival 2013!! this sultry African Songstress brings a colourful magnetic presence with her appearance and beautiful songs! Audiences will love this talented performer!
TALISMAN
Bristolian Reggae vibes with a conscience! Talisman are one of the UK's top British Roots Reggae bands dating back to the late 70's and early 80's and the glory days of UK reggae. The band's prowess back in the day earned them support slots with acts as diverse as Burning Spear, The Clash and The Rolling Stones. Reformed and back on the road, Kaya welcomes them to North Wales!CAPTAIN ACCIDENTSummery reggae vibes kick off Skaya 'DUB' Sunday with Cardiff based band Captain Accident; having supported reggae legend Toots and the Maytals, Captain Accident make their first and we certainly hope not their last appearance at Kaya Festival!
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