Diaspora

  • Biography

    “Clave… To us the word goes beyond explanations and definitions. It means life, salsa, the food of our leisure time, the motion of intense rhythm, the emotion of 20,000 people simultaneously grooving to the natural sounds of life. It’s being played in beat, on key, on clave… It means to be on top of things, to be playing it right… Clave is history, it’s culture. African drums from far off places like Nigeria, Dahomey and Ghana married the Spanish guitar to bring us clave. The seeds were planted in the Caribbean and now their grandchild is Salsa…”

    Formed in Spring 2009, we are a group of musicians from a multitude of different backgrounds and walks of life brought together to play LATIN MUSIC. Our music celebrates the unity and diversity of rhythms that emerged out of the African Diaspora and their dissemination throughout the Americas… we create, we blend, we transform, we transmit. Most importantly, we have come together with a common objective: to SHARE and to EMBRACE.

    We have performed all over the UK, touring concert venues, events (private / corporate), festivals, weddings and parties. We have had fantastic reviews; from dancers both seasoned salseros and amateur amantes who have come to enjoy our experience, keeping them on their feet all night, aficionados of the music and general punters out for a great time. The buzz that we have created has been fantastic and the quality of the musicians in the band has drawn in considerably large audiences. Every show is like a new beginning, and we always succeed in creating that magical atmosphere. No matter how much the band develops from show to show, our fundamental aims remain the same: to share and to embrace. The band is a crossroads of musicians coming from different backgrounds, constantly returning with new gems and sparks of inspiration – in this sense it is a true Diáspora. Through these journeys we have not only learned about music, but we have learned about life… Salsa is rooted in the African trinity of love, food and religion (emotional, physical and spiritual fulfillment) and this is at the heart of our music.

    Previous Clients

    • Air France
    • Alive Network
    • Band on the Wall
    • Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
    • Christchurch, Oxford
    • Christie’s Coffee House
    • Cultural Collage World Music Festival
    • Hop Till U Drop
    • Jabez Clegg, Manchester
    • KLM Airways
    • KRO Catering Ltd
    • Manchester Food & Drink Festival/Edge Street Events
    • Manchester Jazz Festival
    • Manchester Salon
    • Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club
    • Old Orleans Restaurant
    • Orchestrand
    • Prestwich Festival
    • Royal Northern College of Music
    • Salsa de Cuba
    • Salsa Direct
    • Salsa Palente
    • Sandcastle Water Park
    • WPA Health Insurance
    • York Racecourse

     

  • Line up

    11-piece:

    • 2 vocalists (male and female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 3 percussionists
    • 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)

    10-piece:

    • 2 vocalists (male and female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 2 percussionists
    • 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet

    OR

    • 1 vocalist (male or female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 3 percussionists
    • 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)

    9-piece

    • 1 vocalist (male or female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 2 percussionists
    • 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)

    8-piece:

    • 2 vocalists (male and female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 3 percussionists
    • 1 saxophonist

    OR

    • 2 percussionists
    • 1 saxophonist
    • 1 trumpet

    7-piece:

    • 1 vocalist (male or female)
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 3 percussionists
    • 1 saxophonist

    OR

    • 2 percussionists + 1 extra vocalist or trumpet
    • 1 saxophonist

    6-piece:

    • 1 vocalist (male or female)
    • 1 saxophonist
    • Piano or Guitar
    • Bass
    • 2 percussionists

    OR

    • 1 percussionist + 1 vocalist

    5-piece:

    • 1 vocalist (male or female)
    • 1 saxophonist
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • 1 percussionist
  • Reviews / Testimonials

    "A bunch of young, hip and cool aficionados producing the slickest and most polished sounds in the city. Fronted by mesmerising vocalists, backed by a burning hot percussion unit and equipped with a tight pop horns train, Diáspora provides the perfect recipe for a fun-filled fiesta night out. A zesty infusion of salsa and jazz influences, fat funky grooves and just about everything else south of the border, Diáspora is the ultimate tribute to Latin music in the UK Absolutely stunning."

    "Diáspora left audiences cheering and pleading for more after their high-energy performance at Manchester Jazz Festival. Their dedication to the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian repertoire, which they deliver in such a vibrant and authentic way, was a treat for both the aficionado and the dancer out for a good time. With their punchy horns, colourful percussion and engaging vocalists, here is a young band set to ignite and inspire listeners and dancers wherever they appear."

    "I just wanted to convey my THANKS for the fantastic entertainment provided by Diáspora at the Air France KLM Delta Air Lines Manchester Airport Trade Event. They were EXCELLENT and very well received by our 100+ guests and certainly helped in making our evening very successful."

    “On first listening, very nice. Shows the scope of the band's repertoire. Well recorded, production is good (brass and vocals are really clean and percussion is well balanced), playing is good - you are all obviously excellent musicians technically... Excellent Spanish pronunciation... This band can PLAY. They’ve got the feel!”

    “In February 2010 we had the pleasure of Diáspora to entertain us at our annual conference. The band were kind enough to liaise with us well in advance to discuss our requirements and I am really happy that this was taken into account for our evening. As our guests had an age range from 23 to 73, I feel you provided a great party atmosphere for all, and the surrounding logistics was made easy by your professional approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending Diáspora to any corporate function should they desire an entertaining upbeat Latin party.”

    “Diáspora are a hugely talented and energetic band who blew the roof off Matt & Phred's Jazz Club. The band of 11 musicians has a great natural fusion and the ease in which they commanded the stage was a joy to behold. This is a band we will definitely be booking again and again.”

    “Tight, professional, and above all, FUN, Diáspora blew us all away... Faithful enough to the traditions of Latin music to satisfy even the most diehard purist, but with enough energy and diversity for an amazing party band. I would recommend these guys to anyone.”

    “From the minute this band takes to the stage to the minute they leave, Diáspora is certain to compel you to dance to these fantastic beats. Diáspora is your one-way ticket to the sizzling scorching sounds of Latin America and the Caribbean. If you are looking to create an event where the dance floor simply must be full then this is the band for you!”