Fantazia formed in Hackney in 1997, releasing their first CD The Lost Place in 2000. An all-instrumental recording, it was much played and championed by Charlie Gillett at the time.

Yazid Fentazi, the band’s composer, oud player and multi-instrumentalist, was determined to do something with broader appeal. Fantazia began to perform songs and emphasise further the band’s rhythmic qualities, adding vocals, keys and trumpet to the existing 6 piece line-up. It took some time to put Mul Sheshe together and find a record company to release it, but they eventually did and were much encouraged by Andy Kershaw’s support this time round.

Since early November they’ve done 15 gigs and the music is being welcomed as a blend of ancient and modern, deeply rooted in a variety of North African traditions (not just rai alone) but very much realised in the East London of today, where the band live and work.

Tour Dates:

• Fri 03 Gateshead Caedmon Hall (0191 433 8420)
• Sat 04 Hebden Bridge Trades Club (01422 845265)
• Fri 10 Courtfield Community School, Wellington, nr Taunton, Somerset (01460 249450)
• Sun 12 Harem Nights, Jongleurs, Camden Town (0870 787 0707)
• Fri 31 Wellingborough The Castle (01933 270007)

• Sat 01 Glossop Lift Club @ The Town Hall (01457 853821)
• Sat 15 Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, South Bank, London. Lunchtime 12.30pm (this is Easter Saturday)

• Thur 04 Chili Fried at Darbucka, Clerkenwell

More info at www.fantaziamusic.com