BARAKA is a World Music Band based in Bristol, which takes as its inspiration the music of West Africa, South Africa, The Caribbean and Ireland, to produce its own unique and original sound. The result is a heady mix of global beats, intricate rhythms and soaring melodies. Featuring Ben Baddoo on Percussion and Balafon; Paul Bradley on Guitar; Royston Gage on Bass; Mark Bradley on Drums; Brendan Whitmore on Sax; and regular guest – Modou Cissoko from Senegal on Kora and Djembe, BARAKA brings a wonderful mix of cultural and musical influences to bear. Since their formation BARAKA have delighted audiences all over the country, as well as visits to Ireland and mainland Europe. BARAKA have recently filmed a cameo for Channel 4′s “SKINS”, playing the part of an African band backing a gospel choir. As well as Moudou Cissoko writing a song for one of the featured characters to sing, BARAKA wrote, arranged and performed the gospel song featured in the episode.
BARAKAÂ is a professional, independent, original, multi-cultural, multi-racial band with no affiliations to big business – so we have no incentives to offer except brilliant music. (Well, we might have t-shirts next year) So if you would like an high energy mixture of Hi-life, Township, Soca, Soukous, Calypso and Reggae, BARAKA is the one!!
VENUE MAGAZINE Bristol – 8th November 2009 – “Soon the sunshiney African chiming of Baraka warms the hall, fudgy bass bumping beneath iridescent kora and hand blurring percussion. It’s a blue-skied blend of calypso, gentle reggae, jazzy highlife and lilting soca.”
Brendan: This is our first time at Wychwood, but we have heard so many good things about it. You should really ask me after we’ve performed.
Brendan: Fun
Brendan: All our forthcoming performances are listed on our website (see below). Our plans for 2010 are to keep performing wherever and whenever we can.
Brendan: Again, details on our website – listed below.
Brendan: Every performance is unique, and I enjoy them all.
Brendan: Personally, Guinness. For the rest of the band – buy them all a Guinness – if they don’t want them, I will have them all (after the performance of course)
Brendan: There are activities apart from music?
Brendan: www.barakamusic.co.uk www.myspace.com/baraka2
Syl: Thank you!
