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Diáspora (London)

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Exhilarating Latin, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian rhythms from a funky UK salsa band.

About Diáspora (London)

United in the Latin Beat!

“Clave... To us the word goes beyond explanations and definitions. It means life, salsa, the food of our leisure time, the motion of intense rhythm, the emotion of 20,000 people simultaneously grooving to the natural sounds of life. It’s being played in beat, on key, on clave... It means to be on top of things, to be playing it right... Clave is history, it’s culture. African drums from far off places like Nigeria, Dahomey, and Ghana married the Spanish guitar to bring us clave. The seeds were planted in the Caribbean and now their grandchild is Salsa...”

DIÁSPORA is a UK-based Latin band bringing you a one-way ticket to the music of the Americas. The 11-piece lineup (2 vocalists, 3 percussionists, 4 brass, piano and bass) lends itself to an expansive BIG BAND sound without losing the dynamism and spark of a small group, and combines sensuous vocals, sophisticated horn lines and explosive percussion solos... With their vision to unite the rhythms of the Americas, their music is uplifting, inspiring and unifying, celebrating the diversity of cultures that arose out of the African Slave Trade, whilst focusing on the Cuban, Brazilian and globalized SALSA sounds which have become significant musical languages and forms of solidarity and cultural exchange among communities throughout the world. DIÁSPORA is not your regular salsa band... it’s a LATIN band, in the wider sense; freely mixing salsa with jazz, funk and contemporary popular music styles to create an explosive mix of sounds... it’s a BIG BAND by its very nature; equipped with all of the credentials to make for an exhilarating live outfit - engaging vocalists, a burning hot rhythm section and a big fat brass section... With their critically acclaimed fusion of rhythms, DIÁSPORA is one of the most exciting new projects to emerge on the UK Latin scene today.

“DIÁSPORA... The word has a universal meaning in many languages - it is all about dispersed peoples coming together, and the amazing musical fusions that this has created. Our sound has the spirit of salsa, but the swing of samba, and we combine these rhythms with jazz, funk and infusions of contemporary popular music styles from around the world - it is a real melting pot...” Rory Duffy (saxophonist and director)

THE MUSIC

DIÁSPORA provides the ULTIMATE catalyst for an engaging live outfit, delicately poised between its infectious appeal among a wide range of audiences yet technically sophisticated sensibility. The original compositions combine influences as diverse as South American pop, Spanish rumba, nu-Bossa, funk and reggaeton with a lyrical interplay between love, musical intoxication and images from the natural world. The arrangements themselves are pretty simple, containing flexible open platforms that allow the band to really stretch out and explore their musical territory, punctuated with unifying sections that bring the band into triumphant moments of tightness and togetherness. DIÁSPORA has become a real VIBE band; analogous to a single, living breathing organism, yet free and open at the same time, lending itself to bursts of collective spontaneity - clapping in clave, improvised vocal refrains and onstage swaying. The combination of its expansive 11-piece lineup and its diverse influences from Latin American, mainstream popular and world rhythms render DIÁSPORA truly a musical carnival...

DIÁSPORA blends sophistication with FUN and works equally well as an amazing party band available for hire. Whether it is cheesy commercial Hollywood hits, sophisticated Latin jazz, straight-up contemporary salsa dance music or old-school Cuban classics, it is completely up to you! And of course like all great bands DIÁSPORA will judge what the audience respond to on the day and are prepared to change the set list ‘on the fly’...

THE MEMBERS

DIÁSPORA brings together a collective of musicians from all over the UK - including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Lancashire. Its members are all experienced musicians who have played with some of the UK’s top bands within the jazz and world music circuit. Many of them are distinguished music graduates from UK music colleges and universities and from institutions around the world. DIÁSPORA also brings in a variety of guest artists, further expanding their wide range of material.

WHAT CAN THEY BRING TO YOUR EVENT

DIÁSPORA offers an 11-piece band as its standard line-up, however, it breaks down into a range of basic packages – ‘Standard’ (10/11-piece), ‘Instrumental’ (9-piece), ‘Medium’ (7/8-piece) and ‘Small’ (5/6-piece) – each with their own line-up/instrumentation combinations. DIÁSPORA also offers a range of support acts including jazz/string quartet, guest vocalists, salsa dance tuition and DJ services. Both the basic packages and support acts can be combined and substituted with one another – providing you with even more choice and flexibility.

Example Repertoire
  • Afro Blue
  • Aguanile
  • Ain’t it Funny
  • Arranca
  • Besame Mucho
  • Bilongo
  • Bingo Bango
  • Boliviana
  • Brasil
  • Cachao's Guiro
  • Caraluna
  • Caravan
  • Chan Chan
  • Chucho
  • Claudia
  • Como Fue
  • Copacabana
  • Cuba
  • Déjame Sońar
  • Do The Conga
  • Do You Only Wanna Dance
  • Dos Gardenias
  • El Cuarto De Tula
  • El Manisero
  • El Son De Celia Y Oscar
  • Fire Burns Below
  • Flor de Lis
  • Get Up Stand Up
  • Gozando En La Habana
  • Gracias A La Vida
  • Guaglione
See full repertoire...

 
Recent Clients
  • Air France
  • Alive Network
  • Band on the Wall
  • Book Live
  • Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
  • Christchurch, Oxford
  • Christie’s Coffee House
  • Cultural Collage World Music Festival
  • Hop Till U Drop
  • Jabez Clegg, Manchester
  • KLM Airways
  • KRO Catering Ltd
  • Manchester Food & Drink Festival/Edge Street Events
  • Manchester Jazz Festival
  • Manchester Salon
  • Matt & Phred's Jazz Club
  • Mike Constantia
  • Old Orleans Restaurant
  • Orchestrand
  • Prestwich Festival
  • Royal Northern College of Music
  • Salsa de Cuba
  • Salsa Direct
  • Salsa Palente
  • Sandcastle Water Park
  • WPA Health Insurance
  • York Racecourse
  • Your Event Musicians
Technical Requirements

11-piece:
7m x 3m / 6m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
7 microphones min
+ 7 cars max

10-piece: 7m x 3m / 6m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
6 microphones min
7 cars max

09-piece: 6m x 3m / 5m x 4m
16 input min + FOH (recommended)
+ 5 microphones min
+ 6 cars max

08/07-piece: 5m x 3m
12-input min
+ 4 microphones min
+ 5 cars max

06/05-piece: 4m x 3m
08-input min
3 microphones min
4 cars max

 

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Reviews & Ratings

This profile has been reviewed by 23 users.


10 / 10
Fantastic!! Great music. Wonderful musicians and vocalists. And the band provided a wonderful atmosphere interacting with the crowd at just the right moments in a charming and fun way. It seemed the band were all friends, they exuded warmth. Always professional, well-organised and keen to make sure all the arrangements were smooth and enjoyable. They sincerely wanted us to have a great night and we surely did. And it wasn't a straightforward gig. There was no stage. The eleven band members were playing in half of my living room (London terrace house). It was a very special evening... the liaison was professional, agreeable and prompt and the arrangements proceeded smoothly. Couldn't be happier with this engagement.

Katherine added this review

10 / 10
Just want to thank you for a great performance, everyone commented on how great you were and we will certainly keep you in mind for any future events. I just wanted to convey my thanks for the fantastic entertainment provided by Diaspora at the Air France KLM Delta Air Lines Manchester Airport Trade Event. They were EXCELLENT and very well received by our 100 plus guests and certainly helped in making our evening very successful.

KLM Airlines added this review

10 / 10
“Just wanted to say thanks again for playing yesterday - we had a brilliant time, and lots of our guests have been telling us how great they thought you guys were. Thank you!”

Andy & Clare added this review

10 / 10
“From the minute this band takes to the stage to the minute they leave, DIÁSPORA is certain to compel you to dance to these fantastic beats. DIÁSPORA is your one-way ticket to the sizzling, scorching sounds of Latin America and the Caribbean. If you are looking to create an event where the dance floor simply must be full then this is the band for you!” Freak Music

Jay (Freak Music) added this review

10 / 10
“We would like to thank you and DIÁSPORA for an excellent set on Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed the music and have had a lot of favourable comments from our guests about the music! Please pass on our thanks to Rory and the rest of the band for their part in making it such a special night!”

GH added this review

10 / 10
“We were delighted with DIÁSPORA. Everybody had a fantastic time dancing, and we received many comments about how excellent the band were. We would definitely recommend them.”

GW added this review

10 / 10
"DIÁSPORA’s performance at our wedding reception was fantastic. We got married in Christ Church, our old Oxford college, a beautiful setting which nevertheless has very strict requirements regarding sound, volume and logistics. DIÁSPORA achieved what seemed impossible at first - to meet to all the college's requirements AND provide a magical performance for our guests. Many of our guests had "Latin" origins - either from Spain or South America - and they were all equally impressed by the authenticity of DIÁSPORA’s music which kept us dancing till the early hours. DIÁSPORA is a very energetic, friendly and professional band that can produce the perfect music for any occasion. We recommend them strongly!"

RT & EJ added this review

10 / 10
"DIÁSPORA was exactly what was needed to bring the Prestwich Concert Series to a rip-roaring and stunning close.  Energetic, vivid, bright, bubbling with sun that was only too absent from the Manchester air, the standard of playing can only be classed as faultless, delivered with a professionalism that would I am sure leave a lot of similar bands standing. We were warned and it came true: people really were dancing in the aisles."

Philip White (Prestwich Festival) added this review

10 / 10
“DIÁSPORA were great! Fantastic entertainment from a great group of musicians. All the guests really enjoyed them!”

Clive (Christie's Coffee House) added this review

10 / 10
Tight, professional, and above all, FUN, DIÁSPORA blew us all away. Faithful enough to the traditions of Latin music to satisfy even the most diehard purist, but with enough energy and diversity for an amazing party band. I would recommend these guys to anyone.

Royal Northern College of Music added this review

10 / 10
A bunch of young, hip and cool aficionados producing the slickest and most polished sounds in the city. Fronted by mesmerising vocalists, backed by a burning hot percussion unit and equipped with a tight pop horns train, DIÁSPORA provides the perfect recipe for a fun-filled fiesta night out. A zesty infusion of salsa and jazz influences, fat funky grooves and just about everything else south of the border, DIÁSPORA is the ultimate tribute to Latin music in the UK. Absolutely stunning.

Band on the Wall added this review

10 / 10
In February 2010 we had the pleasure of DIÁSPORA to entertain us at our annual conference. The band were kind enough to liaise with us well in advance to discuss our requirements and I am really happy that this was taken into account for our evening. As our guests had an age range from 23 to 73, I feel you provided a great party atmosphere for all, and the surrounding logistics was made easy by your professional approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending DIÁSPORA to any corporate function should they desire an entertaining upbeat Latin style party.

WPA Health Insurance added this review

10 / 10
DIÁSPORA are a hugely talented and energetic band who blew the roof off Matt & Phred's on their first ever gig at the club. The band of 11 musicians has a great natural fusion and the ease in which they commanded the stage was a joy to behold. This is a band we will definitely be booking again and again.

Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club added this review

10 / 10
What a lovely surprise! The music is authentic, and the guys really understand clave. I've been collecting Latin music (from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia) for a long time now and am very rarely surprised...

Irfan Rainy ((salsa DJ and promoter)) added this review

10 / 10
DIÁSPORA have a great energy showing through; the arrangements are clever and innovative, and there are some good musicians.

Salsa Direct added this review

10 / 10
DIÁSPORA left audiences cheering and pleading for more after their high-energy performance at Manchester Jazz Festival 2010. Their dedication to the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian repertoire, which they deliver in such a vibrant and authentic way, was a treat for both the aficionado and the dancer out for a good time. With their punchy horns, colourful percussion and engaging vocalists, here is a young band set to ignite and inspire listeners and dancers wherever they appear.

Manchester Jazz Festival added this review

10 / 10
Our audience really enjoyed DIÁSPORA’s performance at La Soirée Concert Series. Thank you for entertaining us.

Your Event Musicians added this review

10 / 10
On first listening, very nice. Shows the scope of the band's repertoire. Well recorded, production is good (brass & vocals are really clean and percussion is well balanced), playing is good - you are all obviously excellent musicians technically... ... Excellent Spanish pronunciation... This band can PLAY. They’ve got the feel!

Lubi Jovanovic ((salsa DJ and promoter)) added this review

10 / 10
The band really engaged with audience, which created a great vibe. Mixing classic songs with current music gave the band a wide appeal and had everyone up dancing all night. Great fun and would definitely book them for future events.

KRO Catering and Events added this review

10 / 10
To say I was 'blown away' by the evening's experience is a little bit of an understatement! DIÁSPORA took to the stage and the evening really 'kicked-off'. DIÁSPORA are an 11-piece band, billed as being 'one of the most exciting new projects in the contemporary UK Latin scene' and they did not disappoint. The acoustics are great and I was particularly impressed with Rory Duffy's haunting saxophone rifts, coupled with the vibrancy and clarity of the lead female vocalist. The sexy, up-tempo, Latin American beat soon had the audience tapping in tune, with an adventurous couple taking to the dance floor to show off their salsa style steps. This seemed to pave the way for the other experienced salsa dancers get in on the action. As a salsa virgin I was in total awe of the way they moved as one entity, synchronising their moves in perfect time with the music - as soon as the first beats of the next song were played they automatically knew what moves to make. I must admit listening to the fast paced music I just wanted to get up there and join in, but felt inadequate watching the footwork skills on show. Wow, I want to learn how to do that, I have to take salsa lessons and strut my stuff; maybe it is the new 'Line-dancing' fad but it look so much fun and I want IN. The whole evening was one of the most entertaining and fun that I have had in a long time. The music, atmosphere and venue blended so well but unfortunately it was over too quickly.

Manchester Salon added this review

10 / 10
We've worked with and had the pleasure of enjoying the music of DIÁSPORA on many occasions - a band of experienced and talented musicians. Whether the 5-piece or big 11-piece group, they never fail to bring a great performance of varied and popular Latin and Salsa numbers to the show. From our point of view as dancers, we all enjoy the DIÁSPORA experience, having us all on our feet all night! They now have quite a following in the salsa scene - highly recommended!

Salsa de Cuba added this review

10 / 10
DIÁSPORA small band brought a fun fiesta feeling to the Festival Hub’s main-stage at the 2010 Manchester Food & Drink Festival. With their colourful interpretations of Latino classics mixed with their energetic, quirky spontaneity and delightful stage presence, DIÁSPORA brought the sunshine out of all who came to attend. The performers really seemed to be enjoying themselves, which naturally fed into the enjoyment of the assembled crowds. This is a band definitely worth keeping an eye on!

Manchester Food & Drink Festival / Edge Street Events Ltd added this review

10 / 10
It was a superb salsa workout last night as local Latin bands DIÁSPORA and Mojito put on dazzling performances as part of the Manchester Jazz Festival. DIÁSPORA (whom I hadn’t heard before) took us through a whole range of music including son and samba as well as salsa. They’re a big orchestra – 11-piece as far as I could count from where I was – with emphasis on brass, piano and vocals. The style is Latin jazz, not unlike the Alex Wilson sound if you’re familiar with that: some of it just forced you to get up and move, and all of it was highly listenable. I hope to hear a lot more of DIÁSPORA.

Grevel Lindop (Salsa journalist / author of the bestselling novel ‘Travels On The Dancefloor’) added this review

Average rating for Diáspora (London): 10 out of 10 (based on 23 ratings & 23 user reviews)

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