Mankala

Based in Bristol, in the U.K., Mankala is a band that plays music that can be defined as Afro-Caribbean fusion. The band brings together musicians from diverse places in the world such as Martinique, Zambia, Tenerife and of course England. Founded in 2003, in the multicultural city of Bristol, their music makes use of tempos with soulful percussion, simple but tasteful guitar sounds, grooving bass lines and smooth vocal harmonies all come together to create a unique and uplifting sound, with elements of Zouk (meaning party in Creole), reggae and Afro-Beat.

Mankala have been performing their unique pan-African-coalition of sounds across the lengths of the U.K. and beyond since 2003.

A number of musicians from the U.K. and other countries have worked and collaborated with Mankala, both on tour and in the studio. Some have left their musical imprint engrained in the band sound. The group has so far released two studio albums namely ‘Speak Your Mind’ (July 2007) and ‘Remedy’ (October 2013). Each album represents the climax and culmination of the ear of the band. Both albums repertoire of original tunes encompass a wide span of pan-African influenced sounds and feature musical collaborations with some of Bristol’s best talent as well as international guest appearances. The third album is in production process and due to be released in 2016.

The band is made up of Christian de Juan (UK/Spain) – guitars, backing vocals, percussion, production, Simwinji Zeko (Zambia) – guitars, backing vocals, Mark Leaver (UK) – lead & backing vocals, Guillaume Ottaviani (France) – electric bass, double bass, Paolo Adamo (Italy) – drum kit, Bi Do (Ivory Coast) – djembe, percussions, Sisanda Myataza (South Africa) – lead & backing vocals. Additional musicians include Lisa Cherian (Australia/UK) – congas, percussions, Sam Ross (UK) – keyboards, alto sax and Julien Alenda (France) – alto sax.