Carnival Warm Up: Olayá + Beloved George

OLAYÁ

Olayá is a fiery flute and percussion band inspired by  Northeastern Brazilian Bandas de Pifanos (bamboo flutes), with the elemental force of flutes, rich vocal harmonies, driving percussion and bass. Olayá’s music is heavily rhythmic and contagiously fun!

United by their passion for Brazilian music and exploring sounds, Olayá formed in 2022. They have since performed at festivals and venues including Wilderness, Smugglers, Ealing jazz festival, Jaminaround, Basket of Light, Leeds Summer Festival.

Olayá’s musicians have long been at the forefront of London’s Brazilian music scene. They have played in festivals and venues internationally with a plethora of artists including Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Alvorada and Antonio Forcione and have appeared on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and the West End stage.

BELOVED GEORGE 

Beloved George is a Brazilian-Tropicalia band, known for hosting and promoting the successful Jambu Music Jam in London. Joined by musicians from Brazil, Angola, Portugal, England and Denmark, they bring the energy of Brazilian rhythms in originals and remakes, with influences from around the globe.

They’ve just released their first single, ‘Acorelar’ inspired by the colours of the carnival in Olinda, Brazil,the track brings strong influences from Brazilian Tropicalia – mixing different genres with rock and jazz with a touch of Brazilian percussion elements, like pandeiro, congas and cuíca.