Ryan's Gig Guide - December 2018

Hailing from the West Midlands, NAMIWA JAZZ ‘s sound combines many aspects of black music – reggae, funk, RnB, African jazz, even gospel, British soul, trip-hop and hip-hop infused vibes. She defines such an explosive and per- sonal mix of genres, encompassed in her out- standing live performances, as Afrotwang. However, there’s more to her than music eclec- ticism (and incredible skills as a performer), since her songwriting is simply honest and soul- ful, straight to the point yet poetic, alternating joy to melancholy and fierceness. With the release of Jazz’s third penned project 360 On Love, backing from BBC WM and re- ceiving plays from DJ Trevor Nelson and HW Stevens, Namiwa Jazz is coining her unique Afrotwang sound. She has supported the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Public Enemy, Steel Pulse,Teedra Moses, Jacob Banks, Ameriee and Lee Fields in numerous festivals and venues all over UK and Europe.The singer is now recording with her 7 piece band at present and this year will see the release of her 5th body of work RobinHood. Eclectic and emotional like the best Janelle Monae, and rising star in the new flourishing RnB, hip hop and trap Birmingham scene, Namiwa Jazz is ending 2018 on a high with a show at the legendary Hare and Hounds, launching her new sound with a brass trio for the very first time. She will be supported by Heavy Beat Brass Band, Kezia Soul and Ruth Kokumo – with comedian Rem Conway hosting the night, and a live DJ set from Leftfoot’s Adam Regan.This is a night not to be missed!  www.facebook.com/namiwajazzmusic Wednesday 5th December The Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath  + HEAVY BEAT BRASS BAND + KEZIA SOUL + RUTH KOKUMO NAMIWA JAZZ rgg Dec 2018 21 www.ryansgigguide.com