In the past Gloucester has been labelled a “Cultural Cold Spot” so to add some heat, some spice and stir things up, we plan to produce a series of events entitled “Glos-Stir Presents”.
The first of these will be coming to you on July 5th where we’ll be hosting three fantastic female fronted bands. The music will be a sizzling hot mix of genres that will provide a great vibe for all those who come. Afro beats, Latin influenced R&B with a touch of Hip Hop and a massive serving of Reggae (in the form of local Reggae legend Rafeelya accompanied by Akabu Queens) to make this evening a feast for your ears to dine on. And speaking of dining there will also be some plant-based food and drinks on sale (provided by @soluxcommunity) alongside the many beverages Gloucester Guildhall has to offer. Come along and make this event the one you’ll be glad you never missed.
Ember and Sentient Sound are a vibrant band born from the fertile music scene of Bristol. Lead by Ember, a soulful and rhythmical songstress with a deep message to spread, complimented by harmonies from vocalist Mae. Bringing delectable basslines alongside an afrobeat and hip-hop inspired rhythm section. Beautiful melodies and guitar licks that will hit the spot and make you quiver. Not one to miss if you want to get sassy and shake a tail feather!
Follow Ember and Sentient Sound
Instagram – @ember.and.sentient.sound
Facebook – Ember and Sentient Sound
YouTube – Ember and Sentient Sound
Ember and Sentient Sound – Me, Myself and I (youtube.com)
With a voice that resonates with the depth of experience and emotion, Carmen is a rising star in the music scene, captivating audiences with her soulful melodies and mesmerizing performances. Born and raised in Leicester, England, with roots tracing back to Nicaragua, Carmen’s multicultural upbringing infuses her music with a rich tapestry of influences, seamlessly blending her Latin American heritage with her British roots.
Follow/Listen to Carmen
Spotify – Listen to Carmen on Spotify
SoundCloud – Listen to Carmen on SoundCloud
Instagram – @misscarmenofficial
TikTok – @misscarmenofficial
Individually, the women have developed their crafts, to become integral members of the international reggae fraternity. They are session musicians, artistes, music educators, producers, and more, with a common goal to nurture the next generation of reggae excellence. March 2023 saw the release of AKABU’s single, ‘Murderation’, under their given name Akabu Queens, which addresses the serious topic of violence among the world’s youths. This taken from their coming EP.
Follow Akabu Queens
Website – akabuqueens.com
Bandcamp – akabuqueens.bandcamp.com
Instagram – Akabu Queens
Facebook – Akabu Queens
YouTube – Akabu Queens
X – Akabu Queens
The history of AKABU QUEENS (aka Akabu) spans over four decades. Their journey began in 1981 when Diane White and sisters Shelomi and Paulette Coke formed a drum, bass and rhythm section. They were later joined by Valerie Skeete (guitar), Natalie Xavier (vocals), Barbara Naps (Guitar/Vocals) and Vyris Edghill (vocals). They performed under the name, African Woman. Their debut album, African Woman Abroad, was released in 1982. Two other tracks recorded in Germany, titled ‘Warrior Queen’ and ‘Awake’, were included on a compilation album called In Progress, released on Misty in Roots’ People Unite label. They made history by being the first all female band to take the stage at Reggae Sunsplash, Jamaica to a mesmerised audience.
By 1986 the band had gone through several changes in their line-up with the addition of Caroline Williams (keyboards) and Samantha and Madeleine Edghill (DJ and Vocals). Around this time, Valerie and Vyris had taken another avenue and recorded a soul track, produced by Adrian Sherwood on the Tommy Boy label. It was decided to amalgamate the two projects and AKABU was born. Inspired by The Wailers, these ladies experienced tremendous success touring the world, and playing at prominent events, festivals and iconic venues such as Rebel Salute, Western Consciousness, JapanSplash, Live at the Apollo, Harlem, and Madison Square Gardens.
They have supported A-listers of the international reggae fraternity such as Mighty Diamonds, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Lee Scratch Perry, Toots and the Maytals, Aswad and Dennis Brown, to name but a few. Fast forward to the year 2000, and AKABU join forces with female musicians from south London based Abbakush to form SISTA Women In Reggae. The 13-strong group collaborated with Trilla Jenna, Sista Aisha, poet Jayzik and other invited guests. They joined forces with Italian artists, Ky Kah, Miss Mykela, Francisca Nesti, Mama Marjas of We Ladies Crew, to perform dates in Italy and the UK. AKABU, however, remained its own entity. These ladies play their instruments as though they were born with them, this is a nod to how tight they are. They hold crowds enraptured as they perform. Heavy on the drop and with a feminine touch.
AKABU
Drums/Vocals: Barbara Naps
Bass: Diane White
Guitar/Vocals: Valerie Skeete
Keyboards: Caroline Williams
Guest Artists and Musicians, Vocals: Harmonie Deja
Vocals: Alison Campbell
Vocals: TashStar
Keyboards: Vanessa Miguel
Saxophone: Sarah Tobias
