Wura Samba

Wura Samba is a six-member drumming and percussion band from Nigeria. The band's name originates from the combination of the Yoruba word for gold (Wura) and Samba from the Samba drums. The band combines African drumming, folk songs and costumes in innovative ways. The band performs contemporary African music using a Sambabe, an 8-piece; multi-tonal drum set. This square shaped traditional wooden percussion instrument is influenced mainly by the Yoruba culture of West Africa. The piece is prominently supported by other traditional percussion instruments such as the Akuba drums, Sekere and Agogo. Wura Samba presents lyrics in Yoruba, English or a blend of both languages as colloquially spoken in major Nigerian cities like Lagos where they are based.

Having worked professionally in the music industry for over 15 years, the band’s lead singer, Abiodun Oke is no stranger to a wide range of events across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The multi-talented percussionist, Abiodun One, has performed at major concerts, shows and festivals in Nigeria and abroad. He plays the Sambabe drum, the Djembe, Congas and other percussive instruments.

Wura Samba has collaborated with notable Nigerian artists such as Dede Mabiaku, Ayo Balogun, Zaaki Azzay, Kayode Olajide and others. Wura Samba featured on Tony Allen’s “Secret Agent” album in 2009 as well as Nigerian-German artist, Nneka on her album titled “Soul is Heavy” in 2012. Notable collaborations with foreign artists include a musical workshop with American jazz band, Jazz Ambassadors from Memphis; performance with Majik Malik, a flutist and Free Space quartet, both from France. Wura Samba also collaborated with German dancer, Petra Krone at the University of Ghana, Legon in 2012. He has also worked with DJs/Producers Pinch and Rob Smith from Bristol, United Kingdom in 2013. Wura Samba has been on several tours with artists such as Ade Bantu, Kayode Olajide, and Keziah Jones across Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Ghana, Jordan, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Switzerland, USA, United Kingdom and Tunisia.

The dexterity of this ensemble creates a rich and evolving repertoire, full of African beats that will intrigue many audiences. Their musical genre is characterised by a deep adherence to complex Yoruba traditional religious themes that comprise of chants with backing vocal support from high energy drum displays. Wura Samba band members are culturally West African, but they do an incredible job of connecting varying audiences with a modern yet traditional African experience.
The band is a phenomenal and charismatic performance group that is a must have for any type of music event and/or platform.

The album “Onala” will be released 7th August, 2020. The album is produced and mixed by Volume Sonore in France. It will be marketed and sold on all the digital platforms.

Most recent performances:

• YAAM Berlin, Germany (2019)
• Nova Cinema, in Brussels as part of the third edition of Africa is/in the Future festival (2019)
• Bistro Gambrinus, Bistro Gambrinus, Kitzingen, Germany (2019)