MARAFANI WORLD BEAT is a Victoria, British Columbia-based musical project led by Guinean percussionist and vocalist Alseny Michel Diallo, joined by world-renowned dancer and singer N'Nato Camara.
Diallo's passion for and knowledge of both traditional and modern Guinean music has inspired a group of Victoria musicians to form a modern and dynamic Afro-fusion electric band.
Marafani's World Beat's exciting contemporary fusion of traditional West African, reggae, and world beat music always gets people on the dance floor! Marafani has played at Victoria Ska and Reggae Fest 2016, headlined Victoria's Inner Harbour Canada Day 2014 celebration, the Seattle World Rhythm Festival, Edge of the World Music Festival in Haida Gwaii, and the Diversity Festival on Texada Island, as well as many other festivals and venues around BC.
CHEKO AND THE LION ROCKERS is a full reggae band with a strong message of love and consciousness and a sweet roots vibe! Based in the Cowichan Valley, the band has been playing together since 2012. The Lion Rockers have always had a strong Latin reggae influence with Cheko's voice and arrangements. Hailing from Mexico, Cheko is an accomplished international musician, having played with numerous bands from the Americas and Europe. Backing him is the Lion Rockers; Mika Huhtanen on drums West coast Producer /Drummer/ Promoter from The Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island BC; Jedi on Nyabinghi drum; Morgan Mason on Bass, well know DJ in the Island Jungle and Drum n Bass scene; and Iwah, longstanding reggae artist on Lead Guitar.
Main act- Marafani World Beat- Band members
Michel Diallo- lead vocals , djembe/ conga drums
Ilana Moon- Balafon
Cheko Soto - trombone
Sean Winter - Saxophone
Warren Barstead- Bass
Ken Tupper- Guitar
Doug Galbraith- Kora
Max Rector- Drumkit
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