WOMAD

Papa Yera

From Colombia, United Kingdom

A papayera group is a collection of local musicians for hire who play the souped-up brass-driven rhythms of cumbia and vallenato, which are so typical of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. If you’re planning a party in Baranquilla or any of Colombia’s costa towns, a papayera group will guarantee you fun, mayhem and a right royal rumpus while the aguardiente flows freely. This particular papayera combo comprises a bunch of ex-pat Colombians living in London, lead by the charismatic singer Angelica Lopez. The line up is Rafael Sarmiento (gaita/vocals), Fernando Suarez (bass), Nirk Molina (accordion), Roberto Gonzalo Ceballos (clarinet and sax) and Nickolai Rodriguez, Raul Gomez and Alejandro Martinez (percussion and drums). All have impressive pedigrees as musicians and names on the vibrant London Latin scene. Together they’ll remind you just what happy chaos a little sunshine, good spirits and great music can cause when mashed up together by the experts.