SEEKING
Vocalist.ABOUT
Formed by a multi-national collective with a common love for African music, Mankala’s sound is greatly influenced by a variety of styles, from the joyous sounds of Soukous and Township to the hypnotic grooves of Afro-Beat and the Desert Blues, forging ‘original high energy African fusion Music’ with a distinctive style and a positive message.
Mankala have been performing their unique pan-African-coalition of sounds across the lengths of the UK and beyond since 2003, from the local music venues and streets of their home town of Bristol to the internationally renowned Jazz World Stage at Glastonbury Festival (now The West Holts), via the beautiful fields and stages of Shambala, Green Man, Sunrise, Mannifest, Secret Garden, Larmer Tree, Bestival, Somersault and many many more!
- Screen name:
- chrismankala
- Member since:
- Jul 26 2016
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Very Committed
- Years together:
- 13
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- 1 time per week
- Available to gig:
- 1 night a week
- Age:
- 51 years
Influences
Genres: South African Township music, Zimbabwean Chimurrenga music, West African poly-rythms, North African Desert Blues, Congolese Soukous, Central African Afro Beat and Juju Music… all of this fused with some Jazz, Blues, Rock and Funk… anything played from the soul!
To name a few artists: Louis Mhlanga, Tomas Mapfumo, Ray Piri, Miriam Makeba, Vusi Mahlasela, Freshly Grounded, Hugh Masekela, Paul Simon's Graceland, The Four Brothers, Orchestra Makassy, Orchestra Baobab, Salif Keita, Omer Pene, Tinariwen, Benyoro, Ali Farka Toure, Fela Kuti, Franco, Kanda Bongo Man, Ry Cooder, David Byrne...
Members Of Band
Christian De Juan (UK/Spain) - lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals, production & management
Simwinji Zeko (Zambia) - lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Guillaume Ottaviani (France) - bass
Paolo Adamo (Italy) - drums
Bido Irie (Ivory Coas) - djembe
Mark Leaver (UK) - vocals & English lyrics
Collaborating session musician, studio & live:
Lisa Cherian (Australia) - congas
Sam Ross (UK) - keys
Julien Alenda (France) - sax
Sisanda Myataza (South Africa) - lead vocals
EQUIPMENT
JC120 guitar amp, JC40 guitar amp, Fender Hot Rod guitar amp, Marks Bass bass cab, Gibson Less Paul, Ibanez Art Core, Fender Statocaster, Fender Jazz bass, quality drum kit etc… Band has own professional PA and rehearsal space
