We’re all aware of the standard wedding band, 4 or 5 piece act playing hits from the 50s up to present day but as an added extra, usually at drinks receptions or photography sessions, we’re getting a lot of requests for world music acts, a few of which can be found below.
Mariachi Rey (above) is a group of musicians with over 15 years of experience. The act is currently run by Xavier Infante and are a group of young and professional musicians who create the best Mexican music. They are dedicated exclusively to entertain the best way to each audience and spread the Mariachi word and also include other Latino and English songs but with a Mexican twist. They are a genuine, warm and friendly group that will even make the dancing crowd feel like they are in the heart of South America.
Bristol based Josh Doughy (right) has been playing the Kora for most of his life, studying under some of the best Kora players from all around the world in the world from a very young age and being allowed to immerse himself in the Malian culture to further develop his craft. Josh’s experience ranges from touring around England and France playing to large audiences at festivals such as Womad, Small Nations, Shambala and Boomtown to playing for more intimate audiences at weddings and private functions. Having dedicated his early years learning traditional Kora music, he has now created his own unique style which incorporates elements of both African culture and his own Welsh heritage. The Kora is a 21 stringed harp from West
Africa, it has a very soft unobtrusive sound so is great for weddings and other events.
ACD (left) is a World Music and Dance band that specialises in both contemporary and traditional African Music especially from East Africa. The band provides entertainment and performance accompanied with a creative blend of live African and Western instruments. Available for weddings, co-operate and charity events, concerts, carnivals, private parties, festivals, cabaret, night clubs and other occasions. The music, energetic dancing and colourful costumes will get both young and old dancing and clapping to a fusion of African rythms, soca, khalimba, lingala, soukous, zomba and may be the occasional drummer or storytelling act. All acts are exclusively delivered in African Languages. The ultimate aim is to entertain your event in style so whether you need a groovy act to get your guests dancing the night away, or a simple classical acoustics to provide background for a business event, our band has artists you need!
With a sound located somewhere between the deep south and South London, Gumbo La La (bottom) play the rootsiest honky-tonk, zydeco, jazz, folk and R&B in the UK. They like nothing better than to play foot-stompin’ tunes that you can dance the Texas polka to. Conjuring up the spirit of the 40s and 50s, Gumbo La a take inspiration from the songs of Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Hank Williams Sr, Duke Ellington, Big Joe Turner and Clifton Chenier. They take an old sound – harmony vocals, accordion, fiddle, double bass, and acoustic guitar – and make it new.
The Allen Family (right) are a bluegrass and old time music playing family who are the latest of a line of Allen Family bands. They started in North Carolina in the late 1800’s, moving to Missouri in the 1930’s, New Mexico in the 1940’s, California in the 1960’s and then in 1989 started a family in England and hence the band… Using traditional equipment and techniques (they sing around a single mic for example) this tight group plays and sings their music with an infectious enthusiasm and transport you back in musical time with the simple brush stroke of a master. It will only take a few minutes for you to be hooked by the spirit, warmth, happiness and many other good things that the Allen Family Band shares.
