Nubiyan Twist

A blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers join forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, latin, soul, reggae and dance music - expect ultra-tight musicianship and a powerful 9 piece, big band sound.

"A beautiful blend of groovy dub with uplifting horns and soulful vocals" The Guardian

"A free-flowing assemblage of jazz, soul, hip hop and diasporic styles." Mojo

“A cauldron of energy that bubbles with invention. Exhilarating stuff.” Record Collector

Since forming in 2011 at the Leeds College of Music, Nubiyan Twist have risen to become one of the leading groups in the fertile UK music scene. Known for their eclectic blend of styles and powerful sound, the virtuosic nine-piece band’s thrilling exploration of tight musicianship and infectious grooves have consistently mesmerised audiences.

Their 2015 self-titled debut album and acclaimed ‘Jungle Run’ in spring 2019 led to their third massive album ‘Freedom Fables’, released on Strut Records in March 2021. The album was heavily playlisted on BBC 6 Music alongside live sessions with Gilles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs and Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2, plus their UK TV debut on Later…with Jools Holland.

UK tours in 2019, 2021 and 2022 included sold out dates across the country and they've rocked festival stages at Glastonbury, Wilderness, Green Man, We Out Here, WOMAD, Shambala, Love Supreme, Boomtown, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and David Byrne’s Meltdown as well as supporting legends such as Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor and Nile Rogers and Chic. In Europe, alongside their own headline tours they've performed at renowned jazz festivals including Supersonic, Jazz A Vienne, Jazz A Junas, Prague International Jazz Festival and Montreux Jazz amongst others.

“The type of record that should be blasted over a sun-drenched festival crowd.” Clash

“An elegant yet earthy hybrid of jazz, UK soul and highlife" Uncut

“Nubiyan Twist take a leap out of the densely packed crowd of UK jazz with Freedom Fables, a summation of the group's talent that sees them elevated into the highest tier of their cohort” Loud And Quiet

“Nubiyan Twist explore oppressive mindsets while maintaining danceable momentum.” Jazzwise

“Energy, rhythm, youthfulness, madness, precision and multiple influences.” Rolling Stone

"Vibrant and vivacious" BBC Music

“Jazztastic Afro-kissed funk.” NARC