Awale Jant Band light up the room with a kinetic blend of Senegalese soul, Afro-Latin sparkle and London groove—music built for movement, melody and uplift. Rooted in sabar traditions and propelled by modern rhythms, their sound braids hand drums, kit, bass, guitar and bright brass into polyrhythms that feel both ancient and fresh. Hooks arrive like sunshine, choruses bloom into call-and-response, and the dancefloor answers back without needing to be asked. It’s the diaspora in motion: West African heartbeat, Latin inflection, jazz-wise arrangements and a crowd-first spirit.

The set flows like a journey. One moment, a rolling groove with bell patterns and rippling guitar invites hips and shoulders to loosen; the next, horns fan out into a triumphant refrain while percussion kicks the tempo up a notch. Expect nimble switches—from rootsy soul to salsa-tinged uplift, from spacious breakdowns to carnival surges—always anchored by strong songcraft and voices that carry warmth and grit. You’ll hear stories of travel, resilience and celebration, framed by rhythms that make standing still nearly impossible.

This show is designed for dancers and listeners alike. Beginners feel welcome from the first downbeat; seasoned movers find endless pocket. The band’s onstage chemistry is generous and contagious, turning strangers into a chorus and the venue into a living drum. Come early for warm-up selections from our festival DJ, stay late for afterglow tunes that stretch the feeling past the encore.

Good to know: inclusive crowd, friendly door, and a sound tuned for body and soul. Comfortable shoes recommended; hydration essential. Awale Jant Band at Tribute to the Diaspora: roots in Senegal, heartbeat in London, eyes on the whole dancefloor. When the rhythm locks and the horns lift, you’ll understand why their shows end with smiles, sweat and one more tune.