NIWEL TSUMBU

Niwel Tsumbu was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ex Zaire). Niwel spent his youth studying Congolese style guitar and learning his homeland music of Soukous and Rhumba. Since then Niwel has drawn on his influences from all over the world, using his jazz, rock, and classical influences to create a very fresh, distinctive and remarkable sound.

Niwel has played with the likes of Kila, The Wailers, Horace Andy from Massive Attack, Donal Doneen, Cameroon virtuoso bass player Richard Bona and many many more.

KELLY BALDANADO

Kelly Baldonado began her dancing career at the tender age of 10, performing at small festivals, in theatres, and in school shows in Brazil. By 16, Kelly was already teaching Afro-Brazilian dance to a wide range of performance groups in Brazil..

In 2005, Kelly re-located to Ireland, Since then, she has participated in five St. Patrick’s Day parades (as Queen of the Bateria), as well as numerous TV shows, promotions, and festivals such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade in Belfast, Oxygen, the Electric Picnic and many other well known parades around Ireland and beyond.

ADELSON MAIA

Adelson Maia (Instructor Feijaozinho) came to Ireland in 2004. Before arriving, Maia had performed and thought in many countries including Russia, Germany, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Now a full time resident of Ireland, Maia has performed at many prestigious events all over the country including the world cup finals in Aviva Stadium, St. Patricks day Parade Dublin, Galway Arts festival, and even a performance in the RDS, with Enda Kenny joining him on stage as they both danced in front of 4,000 students at the Young Social Innovators 2011.

NONO MADOLO

South African born Nono Madolos’ warm, soulful and powerful voice speaks straight to the heart. Whether singing contemporary gospel, traditional spirituals, Irish hymns or her own native South African repertoire, Nono expresses each line of music with passion and profound beauty. As Ireland’s foremost gospel artist, Nono is in constant demand by gospel and world music events, African churches, Irish artists and song-writers. She has performed as a soloist on numerous television and radio programmes and lead the anthems at the Ireland/South Africa rugby match in 2006. She has also performed for the world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir who were stunned by her incredible voice.

Nono also recently had the opportunity to sing at the Convention centre Dublin for the Queens visit to Ireland.

ROBBIE HARRIS

Robbie Harris is a bodhrán player and percussionist. Over the years he has recorded and performed with artists such as: Bobby McFerrin, Clannad, Bob Geldof, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Celtic Woman, The High Kings, Emer Mayock, Steve Cooney, Brian Kennedy and world music artists such as, Hector Zazou, Theodosii Spassov, Pedram Khavar Zamini, Mamady Keita and Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan. After having toured extensively with Riverdance – The Show, he joined the Broadway production in New York. While living there he was a guest lecturer at The Julliard and The New School, NYC

He is Co-director of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm. This Festival celebrates diverse styles of drumming from around the world, but also rhythm as it affects other art forms such as dance, voice and visual art.

KUMIKO SUZUKI

Born in Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan. Kumiko joined her local Taiko group when she was 10 years old. She learnt Hatsuuma-Taiko, her local traditional art and entertainment. She was the principal Taiko drummer in the group.

Kumiko joined Joji Hirota Taiko drummers group in 2001. She has since diversified to a modern style of taiko drumming. In her career to date she has collaborated with great artists including Roger Taylor (Queen), Taylor Hawkins ( FOO Fighters ), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers ) at Live Earth ( Wembley Stadium ) 2007, Midge Ure ( Ultravox ) at WOMAD S.Korea 2005, Kenny Endo ( Taiko Master in Hawaii), and John Kaizan Neptune ( Shakuhachi Master ).

JONNY KALSI

Jonny Kalsi originates from the Punjab state in India. Kalsi embraces both traditional Indian music while constantly adapting to and using his Western influences. Kalsi is renowned for redesigning the traditional dhol drum to his own personal specifications.

In 1995, Kalsi joined an emerging world music organization founded by Peter Gabriel, based at Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire, England. That connection served as a springboard for his career and exposed his talent to a global audience.

SEÁNA DAVEY

Irish harpist, Seána Davey comes from a family of musicians in Co. Meath. Having begun her studies on the harp with the Royal Irish Academy at the age of 7, Seána went on to receive a B.A (hons) in Music and Irish.

Seána has toured the world as a harpist and dancer, working on such shows as Celtic Thunder (under the direction of Phil Coulter). Ragus, and Riverdance

Seána recently produced her debut album, entitled ‘Seána, Traditional Irish Harp’. The album is primarily traditional Irish music but also includes tasteful additions of varies styles including South American music. Since its release in late December 2010, Seána’s new album has been receiving critical acclaim.

BERNARDO DE BARROS

Bernardo de Barros “Maluk”, Also popularly known as ‘The Dancer from the Ramblas”,
was invited to Barcelona to collaborate with the Grammy award winning Ojos de Brujo during their first album launch. Since then Bernardo has gone on to co-lead the Flamenco Dance Company, “ESPAÑA DANZA” along with Felipe Sanchez, choreographer of the National Ballet of Spain.

De Barros’ philosophy is to eat, digest and absorb the flamenco and then transform it, capturing musical and choreographic creations from the author’s born culture, representing no flags or races de Barros believes in the absence of boundaries and limitations and demonstrates his faith in the unorthodox.

DAIRE BRACKEN

Daire Bracken is a truly unique musician. His distinctive fiddle style extracts elements from the variety of regional styles in Ireland and from around the world.

Daire has toured and recorded with many artists including;
Slide, Púca, Danú, Délos, David Munnelly Band, Stockton’s Wing, Liam Clancy, Niamh Parsons, The Black Family, Cathy Ryan, Osna, Galdubh, Gráda, Sliotar, Helen Flaherty, Bevel Jenny, including various DJs and solo ventures.