Event Information
A blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers join forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, dancehall, soul, reggae and dance music - expect ultra-tight musicianship and a powerful, big band sound.
Since forming in 2011 at the Leeds College of Music, Nubiyan Twist have risen to become one of the leading groups in the UK’s ever-evolving jazz and soul scene. Their 2015 self-titled debut album and the acclaimed ‘Jungle Run’ in Spring 2019 led to their third breakthrough album ‘Freedom Fables’, released on Strut Records in March 2021. The album was heavily playlisted on BBC 6 Music alongside live BBC sessions with Gilles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs and Jamie Cullum alongside their UK TV debut on Later…with Jools Holland.
Their latest album ‘Find Your Flame’ was nominated for Best Independent Album at the 2024 AIM Awards and has continued the band’s journey as one of the leading lights in their scene with new frontwoman and Aziza Jaye and further playlisted singles ‘So Mi Stay’ and ‘Lights Out’ featuring Chic legend Nile Rodgers.
Live, the band’s powerhouse shows have won over audiences across Europe, rocking festival stages including Glastonbury, Wilderness, Love Supreme, Boomtown, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, as well as headlining London’s Outernet on their most recent tour.
"A beautiful blend of groovy dub with uplifting horns and soulful vocals" The Guardian
"A free-flowing assemblage of jazz, soul, hip hop and diasporic styles." Mojo
“A cauldron of energy that bubbles with invention. Exhilarating stuff.” Record Collector
“The type of record that should be blasted over a sun-drenched festival crowd.” Clash
“An elegant yet earthy hybrid of jazz, UK soul and highlife" Uncut
“Nubiyan Twist take a leap out of the densely packed crowd of UK jazz with Freedom Fables, a summation of the group's talent that sees them elevated into the highest tier of their cohort” Loud And Quiet
“Nubiyan Twist explore oppressive mindsets while maintaining danceable momentum.” Jazzwise
“Energy, rhythm, youthfulness, madness, precision and multiple influences.” Rolling Stone
"Vibrant and vivacious" BBC Music
“Jazztastic Afro-kissed funk.” NARC
