Biography
Waaju, a British ensemble, fuse jazz with Afro-Latin elements to create a distinctive musical identity. After releasing their self-titled debut in 2018, the band attracted greater notice through the 2020 release Grown and the 2024 live recording Alouane, which features collaboration with Moroccan guitarist Majid Bekkas.
Originating in London, the group came together circa 2018, comprising tenor saxophonist Sam Rapley, guitarist Tal Janes, bassist Joe Downard, drummer Ben Brown, along with percussionist and conguero Ernesto Marichales. Their music merges jazz and Afro-Latin traditions—drawing from Mali, Nigeria, Morocco, and Cuba—with elements of psychedelic rock, funk, and fusion. The self-titled Waaju marked their 2018 introduction, followed by Grown in 2020. In 2024, the concert album Alouane emerged, showcasing the ensemble alongside Moroccan guitarist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Majid Bekkas.
Originating in London, the group came together circa 2018, comprising tenor saxophonist Sam Rapley, guitarist Tal Janes, bassist Joe Downard, drummer Ben Brown, along with percussionist and conguero Ernesto Marichales. Their music merges jazz and Afro-Latin traditions—drawing from Mali, Nigeria, Morocco, and Cuba—with elements of psychedelic rock, funk, and fusion. The self-titled Waaju marked their 2018 introduction, followed by Grown in 2020. In 2024, the concert album Alouane emerged, showcasing the ensemble alongside Moroccan guitarist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Majid Bekkas.
Live
