We are delighted to welcome one of our favourite bands to The Jam Jar for the first time this October - Soothsayers! The show coincides with the release of ‘Fly Higher’, their 12th studio album, marking 25 years since their first release in 2000.

Fly Higher fuses afrobeat, soul jazz, and deep dub grooves, delivering uplifting, addictive melodies through powerful chorus vocals, punchy horn hooks, and hypnotic basslines. The sound is warm, organic, and unmistakably Soothsayers — a unique blend that honours their influences without ever falling into cliché or predictability. The new album will be released on Wah Wah 45s in September 2025 . Listen out for single releases during Spring and Summer 2025.

Soothsayers make vibrant, socially conscious music with a groove-driven sound that resonates across cultures and generations.

The Jam Jar Presents
Soothsayers
+ Some Soma
& afterparty
Saturday 11th October
Doors open 7.30pm
The Jam Jar, Bristol

Soothsayers are set to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2025. Known for their unique blend of Afrobeat, dub, reggae, and jazz, the band has been a vital force in the UK’s global music scene since their formation in 2000. Over the last two decades, Soothsayers have been known for delivering vibrant, socially conscious music with a groove-driven sound that resonates across cultures and generations.

Formed by saxophonist Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft, Soothsayers has created a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking. Their live performances are an immersive experience, drawing crowds into a powerful musical journey through African rhythms, dub textures, and jazz improvisations.

The secret of Soothsayers’ longevity is down to the band’s evolution, keeping them relevant in changing times . Top quality song writing that exudes a joy of music and life that lyrically reflects on social problems and political pitfalls.

Live performances are where the band take their organic unique and universally uplifting afro - dub sound to the next level combining high quality musicianship with a lyrical message, warm sonics and irresistible dance grooves.

Soothsayers have performed at an impressive list of festivals, venues and theatres including:
Rototom Festival (Spain), WOMAD , The North Sea Jazz Festival, Dhaka World Music Festival, London Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Barbados World Music Festival.
Live radio sessions include BBC Radio 3, BBC radio London, BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, JazzFM and more.

A reputation as a great live band and innovative studio producers has led to collaborations with top quality artists including a host of world famous Jamaicans like Johnny Clarke, Cornel Campbell, Michael Prophet, Little Roy as well as great work with UK based artists Mad Professor, Dennis Bovell, Earl 16 and Manasseh.

Soothsayers’ band leaders Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft have also lent their skills to an array of other projects including Jerry Dammers Spatial AKA, Arun Ghosh, Aswad, Ill Considered , Bob Andy , Morcheeba , Anoushka Shankar, “Fela” The Musical and the National Theatre and many more.

Soothsayers are deeply involved in education and community action and in 2016 started a new project called Youthsayers engaging young musicians in Brixton, South London. This highly successful project has performed at The Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Freedom Sounds Festival - Cologne Germany, The Place Dance Theatre, Africa In The Square, Youth Music Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

‘One of the finest slices of a Anglo Caribbean fusion since The Specials in their prime......artfully mixing in funk and Afrobeat to their deep dub’ - The Guardian ****

“loving that old school analogue sound” - Don Letts, BBC 6 Music


‘I like almost everything Soothsayers produce and this is no exception’ - David Rodigan, BBC Radio 1xtra

Entry requirements: 18+ — Read more — Read less