AKSamba
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| AKSamba | ||
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 The AKSamba logo
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| Background information | ||
| Origin | Auckland, New Zealand | |
| Years active | 2002-present | |
AKSamba is a percussion group based in Auckland, New Zealand. While predominantly inspired by Brazilian rhythms, the group's music also incorporates international rhythms such as drum'n'bass, funk, disco and ska, as well as West African ones.
Formed at the end of 2002, the group now has over 50 members covering a wide age range and from many different nationalities. It currently has three musical directors—James Hughes, Carlo Laing and Darren Cottingham—and band affairs are coordinated by a committee. AKSamba regularly works with visiting percussionists from around the world such as Mohamed Bangoura, Cabello and Ricardo Ó Rosinha.
AKSamba performs in a variety of settings including festivals, parades, and community and corporate events around New Zealand's North Island. It also runs workshops and introductory percussion courses aimed at the public. The summer performance season culminates each year at the Jambalaya Festival over Easter weekend where AKSamba and other samba groups from New Zealand including Wellington Batucada and Samblasta play in a street parade through Rotorua town centre.
Many of the AKSamba's members play in other groups such as Batucada Sound Machine, The Three Mulleteers, Tamani and Ziko.
