Artist description MAYA SOLEIL, Afro-World Fusion Music & Dance, presents African rhythm and dance blended with progressive acid jazz. MAYA SOLEIL consists of six experienced artists from Africa, Asia, and the U.S., featuring Moye Kashimbi from Zambia.

Music Style Afro-World Fusion

Musical Influences Herbie Hancock, Angelique Kidjo, Zap Mama, Stevie Wonder, Fela, Amayenge

Similar Artists Angelique Kidjo, Zap Mama, Fela, Baba Maal

Artist History Beginning 4 years ago as an improvisational workshop combining African percussion and jazz-influenced funk, Maya Soleil now features the best of the Pacific Northwest?s world fusion musicians. Moye Kashimbi, has appeared at WOMAD and toured the world with Amayenge. Selected for King County (WA) 2000-2001 Touring Arts Roster and main-stage showcase at 1999 Arts Northwest Booking Conference.

Group Members MOYE KASHIMBI from Zambia (vocals and dance, formerly with Amayenge), BOB ANTOLIN from the Philippines and Korea (flutes, soprano and alto saxophones, MIDI wind controller), ROB PASTOROK from USA (keyboards, balafon, talking drum, spoken word), MOHAMMED SHAIBU from Ghana (Guitar, vocals, percussion), SAMIA PANNI from Bangladesh (vocals, balafon, djembe, percussion), LENNOX HOLNESS from Jamaica (Bass), TJ MORRIS from USA (vocals, world drum kit, percussion)

Instruments Vocals, spoken word, flutes, soprano and alto saxophones, MIDI wind controller, keyboards, balafon, guitar, bass, djembe, dumbec, udu, congas, world drum kit, talking drum, bells, other percussion

Albums Dance of the New Sun

Press Reviews "More high powered World music from one of the funkiest and groovenist contemporary World fusion groups in the Puget Sound...this is a group who can get a crowd of people on their feet and stir them to a thriving emotion... Putamayo, where are you on these guys?" [Sounds of Seattle, June 2000, CD Review of Dance of the New Sun], "Imagine surfing on a sound wave. You catch it here and now, but it carries you all the way back to the first beat of music ever played, the primal thump of animal skins pulled tight across hollow logs. An instant later, the sounds of a synthesizer bring you back into the 21st century. If any band can take you there, it's Maya Soleil" [Third PlaceBooks], "Imaginative and exciting... unique blend of music from American and African traditions" [B. Rossi, Executive Director, Youth Advancement through Music and Art

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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