Ariwo

(Cuba/Iran/UK)

Ariwo by Jack Batchelor
Ariwo by Giulia Savorelli

Links

If you've never before encountered an Iranian-electronic and traditional Afro-Cuban collaboration, well that's not surprising, but here's your chance. Ariwo is a unique meeting between Iranian electronic composer Pouya Ehsaei, Cuban musicians Hammadi Valdes (Latin Grammy-winning percussionist with Irakere) andOreste Noda (Ibrahim Ferrer/Hugh Masekela), MOBO winning saxophonist Binker Golding and Ropeadope's award winning trumpeter, Jay Phelps. Their stated aim is to combine traditional rhythms into a live electronic performance that challenges perceptions of ancestral music and connects diverse cultures. Ariwo premiered in 2015 at Cuba's Manana Festival and have since played London's Barbican and festivals and electro-events around Europe. Along the way, their 2017 debut album has drawn praise across a spectrum of media. The ensemble continues as it began: drawing its inspiration from the spontaneous synergy of the players and the conscious participation of all who join them.

Hammadi Valdes - percussion
Oreste Noda - congas
Binker Golding - saxophone
Jay Phelps - trumpet
Pouya Ehsaei - electronics