Welcome to Mankala.co.uk

Mankala is an original band that plays rhythmic and energetic music, that we define as an Afro-Caribbean fusion. Driving tempos with plenty of percussion, simple but tasteful guitar sounds, grooving bass lines and smooth vocal harmonies all come together to create a unique and uplifting sound, with elements of Zouk (meaning party in Creole) Reggae and Afro-Beat. The band brings together musicians from diverse places in the world such as Martinique, Zambia, Tenerife and of course England, where Mankala was first formed early in 2003, in the multicultural city of Bristol, where the band is currently based.

Mankala's flame burns hottest and brightest when it comes to breaking down barriers and mixing styles. This is definitively a live band that will get the party started, and at the same time, laid-back enough to just relax and listen to the smooth catchy melodies and harmonies.

Photographers : Contact Us
if you have any good Live Photos of Mankala we may feature them.

Mostly sung in the Creole language of the French Antilles (Omer Makessa, the lead vocalist is from Martinique) but also in English, the lyrics talk about the day to day things that are in the mind of a musician, like the constant struggle to make a living or the sacrifices that have to be made to accomplish our dreams. They also talk about things like the importance of sharing, giving and loving others by first loving yourself, or things like the beauties of nature and how a simple but powerful natural event like the sunrise every day, can be a source of inspiration.

The name of the Band "Mankala" comes from an ancient African game that must be among the oldest of human entertainments, but the word Mankala also has a more spiritual meaning, which refers to "where the soul is aiming for". Also for us, Mankala means "Action through Music", a meaning that sums up the bands philosophy.

Mankala is currently formed by - Omer Makessa - Lead Vocals and Percussion, Christian de Juan - Guitars and backing Vocals, Simwinji Zeko - Guitars and backing Vocals, Sol Ahmed - Bass, Jason Newman - Drum kit.

We also occasionally incorporate additional musicians to our five-piece line-up and collaborate closely with African contemporary dance duo Mica.

"High Energy Afro-Caribbean Fusion Live Band"