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OUR VISION STATEMENT
Batala Bristol is a community united by our collective joy of samba reggae.
We are committed to musical excellence, and together, we embrace the values of dedication, harmony and the pure, infectious fun that defines our music.
Our band is made up of drummers from the beautiful city of Bristol and places nearby. You can hear us play at various events and festivals in the South West and beyond each and every year.
We have been drumming in Bristol since 2011 and are part of the global Batala Mundo group, an alliance of over 40 Samba bands spread around the world that all learn the same tunes!
Batala Bristol are an inclusive, creative and fun community of people who come together to share the infectious vibe of samba-reggae with as many people as we can.
Our band is made up of a lovely bunch people from all walks of life which is what makes us so special!
When it comes to the organising and smooth-running of things, we have a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the band ticking over; promoting our skills to potential gigs and improving our performances along the way.
Below is a bit more information about some of the team.
ANNA
I am the musical director of Batala Bristol. My role is to continually develop and progress the band musically so we wow our spectators as much as possible! I am frequently seen at the front of the band during gigs calling in different tunes and making sure it sounds amazing....often jumping and dancing around whilst I am doing this!
I have been in Batala Bristol since its 1st ever rehearsal 13 years ago. It's been an amazing journey and I have made so many amazing friends within the band along the way.
My favourite part of being in the band is the thrill it gives me seeing everyone's (players and spectators) faces so happy and smiley when the tunes really get going (goosebumps every time) as well as the many many opportunities it has given me to travel within Batala to all ends of the world (literally!).
Batala is a family and my family is Batala!
Musical Director
Music Team
Music Team
EMMA
I've been playing the repinique drum for about 16 years, drumming with Batala for about 11 years, alongside being hep section lead and calling for the band for a number of years.
I was first drawn to Samba drumming by the complex rhythms and the interplay of different drums, as well as how the different drums complement each other. I love learning new songs and developing my drumming technique which, thanks to Giba and the ever evolving tunes, are continuously developing and expanding.
The opportunities for learning new things, going to new places and having unique experiences with Batala are neverending. I've drummed on mountaintops in the Peak District and the Austrian Alps, played many times at St Pauls Carnival and Notting Hill Carnival plus was honoured to play at the Queen's Jubilee in 2022, as well as countless other places and events. But the friendships and many good times we share in Bristol are the best. I am hugely grateful for all the experiences that being part of Batala Bristol has given me.
LYNNE
I joined Batala in 2014, having never picked up a drum. I’ve gone from accidentally playing my drum upside down in one of my first gigs, to being on the music team and supporting our musical director to run rehearsals and gigs.
Being part of Batala is such a special and unique experience: to bring the culture, sound and energy of samba reggae drumming to the streets of Bristol; to make a great group of friends in the band; to perform at amazing gigs; to travel and play with Batala bands around the world. Earlier this year I even had the opportunity to go to Salvador in Brazil, where Batala’s music originates, to play with our sister band there and parade in Salvador Carnival. It brings me pure joy, and it’s wonderful to share it with so many amazing people.
Music Team
Head of Creative Team
JASMINE
I joined Batala Bristol in 2022 and quickly realised the scale of what I had got myself in for! With no previous musical experience, I shocked myself how well I managed to pick things up thanks to the expertise of our fabulous music team.
I love the freedom and joy that comes with playing in the band and the excitement of learning a new skill - the learning which never ends!! I started on a fundo, but now play a dobra and love all of the extra dancing. The opportunities to get involved in all sorts are truly endless, not least of all the chance to travel all over the world sharing our collective love for samba reggae.
CLAIRE
Hi, I'm Claire, the Head of the HR / Pastoral Care Team. I have been in Batala Bristol since 2016 and have literally had the time of my life! I play Fundo 2 so it's all about the bass for me.
My favourite gigs are funky, loud and have a party vibe. I absolutely love seeing all of the smiley faces in the crowd and I'm always surprised with just how many people hear us at events and come to find us from afar! We certainly get the party started!
Head of HR & Pastoral Care Team
Chairperson &
Gig Co-ordinator
ARTHUR
I first saw Batala Bristol playing at the Harbour Festival in 2016. I immediately found myself energised and mesmerised by the rhythm of the drums, but what appealed to me most of all was seeing the excitement, enjoyment and the genuine love and camaraderie amongst the players. I joined the band rehearsal programme and played my first gig with Batala that December. I have never looked back, playing with the band at festivals, carnivals, sports events and all sorts of shows in Bristol, all over Britain and in several countries abroad as well.
I was immensely proud and honoured to become elected the band chairman in 2018, and I truly feel that Batala Bristol is now my home. Playing with the band is always a joy and a thrill, working for the band is a labour of love, and now that I am part of this special group of fun-loving people that I first watched with awe and admiration in the streets of my home city all those years ago, I feel that I am in the best place I can possibly imagine! I wouldn't be anywhere else.
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