PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

Formed in London in 2011, The Fontanelles have been inventively blurring the lines between Jazzy Afrobeat, African grooves and Dub ever since. Renowned for their infectious live energy and shows, the 10-piece group stay true to their core sound of Fela Kuti-style afrobeat (honed while acting as the onstage band for the National Theatre’s sellout transfer of Fela!), while bringing in sounds from Ethiopia, Minimalist textures, sun-drenched dub and righteous horn-led dancefloor grooves. As an exclusive the band will performing new material from their new EP that came out in early 2017.

'a terrific 12 piece band who intensify the music's seductively repetitive rhythms'

The Independent

Formed in London in 2011, The Fontanelles have been inventively blurring the lines between Afrobeat, African grooves and Dub ever since. Renowned for their infectious live energy and shows, the 10-piece group stay true to their core sound of Fela Kuti-style afrobeat (honed while acting as the onstage band for the National Theatre’s sellout transfer of Fela!), while bringing in sounds from Ethiopia, Minimalist textures, sun-drenched dub and righteous horn-led dancefloor grooves.
Featuring musicians with credits including Mulatu Astatke, Salif Keita, Jazz Jamaica, Jerry Dammers’ Spatial AKA, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamiroquai and more, the band have worked-up a bold, horn-heavy sound of their own with tunes written by the whole band and strong live sets. They released their debut LP Horns Of Freedom on First Word Records in 2013.

Featuring a colourful, nostalgic big studio sound without relying on faux-vintage stylings, and tight arrangements without sacrificing the open grooves of their live shows, the LP earned strong reviews and BBC Radio airplay from Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan and Craig Charles.

The band continues to push the boundaries of Jazzy Afro-centric grooves, reaching an ever increasing audience of fans.

Band Lineup

Saleem Rahman (drums)
Idris Rahman (tenor sax)
Robin Hopcraft (trumpet)
Harry Brown (trombone)
Tamar Osbourne (bari sax)
Leon Brichard (bass)
Jon Gingell (guitar)
Satin Singh (percussion)
Nick Ramm (keyboards)