Formed in early 2004 by guitarist Niwel Tsumbu (DR Congo) drummer Feargeal Lee (PR Cork) and bass player Rik Appleby (UK), their first gig saw them named by legendary Malian diva Oumou Sangare (the name means 'party in the streets' in Mali). Based in Cork City, Ireland Sumu are a therefore a band with a European body but an African brain - the music is a unique fusion of western music styles; jazz, blues, folk, rock, funk, reggae and salsa all fired through the Soukous-tinged lens of 24 year old guitar-meastro and singer Niwel. Complex but danceable polyrythms from the powerful ryhthm section are overlaid with strong songs featuring the soaring vocal talents of Irish singer Ciara O’Driscoll, the complimentary guitar skills of virtuoso Chris Percival and guest appearances by some of the finest world musicians in Ireland today.
The bands first two years saw them playing every major world and jazz music event in Ireland, (they could not travel internationally due to Leader Niwel's legal status as an asylum seeker). Financing their own recording they self-produced their seminal debut album "SUMU" (available through Offbeat records), the completion of which coincided with 2/3rds of the band starting families. The band has since taken a hiatus, the members focussing on family and solo projects - Niwel Tsumbu Duo's "Uh! eaza Nzela Molayi", Chris' third solo album "Sonorific", Ciara has embarked on her as yet unnamed debut solo album, and most recently Niwel's amazing BIG BANG SYMPHONY premiered in the Cork Midsummer Festival at the Everyman Theatre
BUY THE ALBUM NOW!
Download through MusicFREEDOM.com for only E4.99
Including downoad bonus track '8th Wonder (Live)'
Order your copy of the CD direct from Offbeat Records at a special offer price of only 10euro + p&p. The album is beautifully presented in a gloss coated cardboard gatefold with a 4 page lyric sheet insert.
The album is also currently available in all music shops in Cork city, we have a UK distribution arrangement pending, and the album will soon go live on every major download service in the world ... and you can always
Download the album from iTunes
Photography by Gianlucca Torralo
