Nubiyan Twist are a blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers who have joind forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, latin, soul, reggae and dance music.
Their 2015 debut album Nubiyan Twist received strong support across the jazz, world and hip-hop press, with support from sources as diverse as Huey Walker, David Rodigan, Craig Charles, The Independent, Songlines, Afropunk and SBTV. This was followed up with the Siren Song EP in 2016, and the Dance Inna London EP in 2017 (featuring 80s dancehall legend Supercat).
Since their humble beginnings at Leeds College of Music, the band have performed on huge stages across the world, being chosen by David Byrne to perform at Queen Elizabeth Hall for the South Bank’s Meltdown Festival, selling out London’s iconic Jazz Cafe, and rocking festival stages from Fusion to Wilderness, Boomtown to Edinburgh Jazz Festival, with their powerful sound and unique blend of styles.
“Versatility with deep soul…an elegant yet earthy hybrid of jazz, UK soul and highlife” – Uncut
“Nubiyan Twist take a leap out of the densely packed crowd of UK jazz with Freedom Fables, a summation of the group’s talent that sees them elevated into the highest tier of their cohort” – Loud And Quiet 8/10
“A beautiful blend of groovy dub with uplifting horns and soulful vocals” – The Guardian
“Celebratory… packs a heavy punch” – Afropunk
Support comes from Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
Mobo-nominated Ayanna is the definition of eclectic soul – the classically trained singer-songwriter & cellist has worked and toured with Anoushka Shankar, Courtney Pine, Hugh Masekela, Kronos Quartet, Akala and composed for the London Symphony Orchestra.
‘Ayanna Witter-Johnson is the artist of our times. She’s a cellist, songwriter and singer and everyone needs to be listening to her right now. She is fire.’ The Guardian
‘This lady is yet more testament to the talent coming out of the UK at this time’ Gilles Peterson
“Ayanna is a unique talent, as a songwriter, a voice, and an instrumentalist. Towering technical artistry with heartbreaking soul. The real deal.” Riz Ahmed
Presented by Music-Net, a partnership between producer and promoter Root Music and Inner City Music, owners and operators of historic Manchester music venue Band on the Wall.
