Based in Berlin, new titans of Highlife & Afrobeat Jembaa Groove make a stop at The Jam Jar this spring. Tight arrangements and soaring solos are underpinned by unstoppable Afro-Soul grooves for the dancefloor. The band consists of former band members of West African legends such as Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Orlando Julius as well as exciting new talent from the German capital, making for a super fresh sound.

Plus we have the amazing 8 piece Soma Soma returning with their blend of Brazilian and African musical styles. It's their first appearance in Bristol in over a year!

This is a huge and grooving night not to be missed!

Thursday 25th April
Jembaa Groove
+ Soma Soma
The Jam Jar, Bristol
Doors Open 7.30pm
Show starts promptly at 8pm

JEMBAA GROOVE
After garnering massive support from the international media world (KEXP,BBC 6,Gilles Peterson,Soulection, WDR, FIP etc) of the back of their debut album „Susuma“ in 2022, Jembaa Groove come forth with their second studio album „Ye Ankasa/We ourselves“.
Lead by singer and percussion legend Eric Owusu and bass player and producer Yannick Nolting the Berlin-based outfit has established itself as an international touring band over the past 2 years recording a BBC6 Session at Maida Vale Studios and playing some of the finest stages around the globe such as SXSW, Supersonic Jazz and ESNS, while many more are about to come on their upcoming release tour in 2024 including London (Jazz Cafe), Paris (New Morning), Madrid (Sala Villanos), Berlin (Gretchen), Amsterdam (Paradiso), Sao Paolo (Blue Note) and many more.

Infused by fundamental elements of Ghanian Highlife from the 70s the band has its own take on a number of influences that goes far beyond just trying to imitate the greats that came before. The band consists of former band members of Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Orlando Julius. Playing and recording with these legends of Highlife and Afrobeat for decades surely shaped their perception of sound.
Inviting legendary Ghanian multi-instrumentalist and producer Kwame Yeboah (Kwashibu Area Band) to record and co-create on this album was an intended step, as the bandleaders were looking for a certain authentic sonic element they knew would blend with the band's sound. With K.O.G on „Sweet my ear“ and Gyedu Blay Ambolley on „Agya“ the album features two other important figures of the contemporary Ghanian Highlife scene.

Being a mix of members of African and European descend hailing from different corners of the planet Jembaa Groove blend a melting pot of influences that melt into what they say is a contemporary take on Highlife, Jazz and Soul. The band represents their very own and new sound which they consider is ever evolving as going through life in a progressive way means having your eyes and ears open to everything happening around you at any time.

SOMA SOMA
Soma Soma are an 8-piece band from Bristol, UK, who offer an exciting mix of world music styles that can only be described as their own Soma Soma sound.
Driving percussion, vintage horns, and hypnotic guitar lines work together to seamlessly blend Brazilian styles (Samba/Bossa Nova/Arrocha) with African (Highlife/Afrobeat/Soukous)
genres to create something completely new and exciting. They are able to take traditional rhythms and infuse them with a modern energy that keeps the audience captivated throughout their performances.
One of the most striking aspects of Soma Soma's music is the use of Portuguese lyrics in their songs, which adds an exotic and mysterious element to their sound. Even for those who don't understand the language, the vocal performances are said to be powerful and emotive,
conveying the passion and intensity of the music.
Soma Soma is a fantastic live act that will transport you to a new world of afro/brazilian music and spread pure feelings of connection, joy and nostalgia.

Entry requirements: 14+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio — Read more — Read less