Author Archives: Banda Bacana

New Album Update

The team have been beavering away behind the scenes with the recording and mixing of Banda Bacana’s new albums. Final mixes are scheduled for early 2018, and it’s sounding great already. Look forward to some new instruments being played and some great new songs. Watch this space for updates!

A New Year, A New You

Screen shot 2016-01-08 at 09.36.52Well done to everyone who made it to the boxing night regular at the Vic (…no… not that one) despite the horrendous weather and flooding. For those that missed the Jukes gig – and that includes one of the musicians stranded in Colwyn Bay – you may want cheer yourself up by coming to another wet and windy corner of Wales to see some of the Jukes musicians playing in the equally funky Banda Bacana. Continue reading

Squeezing the last out of the summer!

Polishing our brass, limbering up our vocal chords and yanking up the groove we’ve been lucky to play at some great local events this summer and some further afield. Thanks to Moel Siabod Cafe for inviting us back to another stomping North Wales reception, and to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the delightful Beathearder festival. Also in July we played at the Food Slam in Menai Bridge where we sampled some wonderful local grub and summer fizz!
Foodslam July 2015
See Gorau Môn – Best of Anglesey video featuring our Piropa!

… and on through August…

Banda Bacana will be at the Menai Seafood Festival this Saturday 22nd August, 8pm in the Boatyard next to Dylan’s – come and see us after the daytime events – Cooking demonstrations, local produce market, art and craft, music, and activities for kids – see more here: menaiseafoodfestival.com

At Copperfest on the bank holiday Saturday, Banda Bacana is playing at 7.0 with a great line up – more on the Copperfest website – music starts at 12 and goes on till 11.00.  See some great bands in a fab location!

Nepal Benefit

Sadly Debademba have had to cancel their tour because of illness but Neuadd Ogwen & Owen’s Gigs are carrying on with the evening as a Nepal benefit. The line-up is:

  • Banda Bacana
  • Bloco Swn
  • Mouton
  • Chris Jones
  • DJ Flyffi Lyf Bybl

Debademba in Bethesda – CANCELLED

debademba1196366Bringing some West African sunshine to Snowdonia, Debademba are guitarist Abdoulaye Traore and singer Mohamed Diaby. Playing their unique mix of Ethiopian sounds, Afro-funk, African salsa and blues with Spainish and Arabic influence.
The gig will be held at Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda Supported by DJ Flyffi Lyf Bybl & BandaBacana

Weekend in the Studio: Sunday

We spent a productive weekend in Bryn Derwen Studio in the hands of the talented and lovely John Lawrence. We’ve got 15 rough tracks to play with. Next steps to be decided tonight in practice, but will include additional vocal harmonies, horns, percussion and hopefully some accordian.


Thanks to Cory for taking these fab photos.

Weekend in the Studio: Saturday

Thanks to Nick Peplow for these beautifully composed photos.
See more of Nick’s work here: nickpeplow.co.uk.

Celebration for Black History Month 2013

John, for North Wales Jamaica Society, has asked us to share information about the following event:

Celebration for Black History Month 2013 Saturday 2nd November at Penrhyn Castle in Bangor – free of charge.

Register with Black History Month for the event by

  • emailing john_wyer@hotmail.com
  • or mobile John Wyer 07427522001
  • Or register on the day at Penrhyn Castle on the day
    (let staff know you are there for the Black History Month Celebration).

There will be two presentations starting at

  • 10am and again at 2pm. sessions which will explore Jamaican history through Reggae music,
  • 10.30am and 2.30 pm sessions music and poetry by Spicy Fingers
  • 11am and 3pm sessions ‘Castles of West Africa@ with Rev Garnet Parris
  • 11.30am and 3.30 pm sessions Capoeira sessions with Wales only capoeira group Mocambo

The ideal time to see the castle would be during the lunch break form12 noon until 2pm.

Look out for the BHM signs when you reach the Castle grounds.