Some Facts:
U’mau is a Nigerian Female artiste. Born and currently living in London.
Her eclectic sound -which can be described as a fusion of Folk, Jazz and World Music- is born of a traveling background which has exposed her to the music and cultures of various nationalities such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Russia, Canada, Spain and Liberia. It’s a warm, engaging, yet simple sound.
U’ says: “Growing up, my parents would throw all kinds of music at us from Inyang Henshaw, Kanda Bongo Man, Fela Kuti and Manu Dibango to Beethoven, The Beatles, Al Jarreau and Paul Simon . . . . I am so very grateful for it all.’
U’mau writes for other artistes along a wide range of styles including Asian fusion, Gospel and Soul. Leading choirs and small vocal groups in the past has been instrumental in the development of her love of and ear for good harmony. U’mau has also composed music for stage, television and radio.
U’ says: “One of the most challenging but fun projects was working with my dear friend Yam Boy, with his Asian fusion material. Picture spoken word, over a fusion of hip hop beats and Asian Raga, with a Jazz chorus in Efik/Ibibio (my native language)... I have also recently embraced Tunday Akintan’s ground-breaking Yorubeat outfit and sound and it has been nothing short of a revelation.”
2006 - 2007 saw U’mau performing solo acoustic gigs as well as full band features (Mikey Kirkpatrick- Flute; Davide Pasqualini- Percussion; Akinor Fujimoto- Drums; Delrio Levale- Lead Guitar; Dorriel Tulloch- Bass) in a blur of events in the Brixton Art Gallery, Hard Rock Cafe, St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation for Peace, The Green Note, Theatre Royal, Imperial College Fashion Show and much more. The start of 2008 has been filled with a lot of writing and studio work with the live scene picking up the pace as the weather warms up.
U’ says: “I don’t think I’ll ever have a preference concerning the solo and full band lineup. They both have so much to offer. I love the purity and simplicity of an acoustic set - simplicity is my thing- yet the songs take on a new life with the band and I love working with the guys. I love the idea that each person gives a part of themselves to something (the piece) to create something new; Not quite the miracle of childbirth but still very beautiful when you appreciate that this is a product of hearts, minds and crafts coming together.”
A recent links with Organized MESS(Africa) & Avocado Music Productions(Europe) are the first steps in the project that is U’mau’s debut album, soon to be released.
U’ says: “I’m very excited about this album. For a long time, I didn’t have any interest outside the live projects and session work. It was a growing process and I got quite a buzz from that connection with the listeners that a live show allows. The support and following has been awesome. Now I’ve come to the point where I’m just as eager as everyone else to see this album completed and ‘out there!’ I feel extremely fortunate to have found be working with teams that are very supportive and creatively inspiring.”
