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Artist Profiles

The band formed by Toots Hibbert in the early 60s has taken the world by storm and influenced countless artists and genres. Toots is credited with naming reggae in his track ‘Do The Reggay’ and is a hero and inspiration to many artists who have collaborated with him in the last 50 years including Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Shaggy and Lou Reed. http://www.tootsandthemaytals.com/

Led by leading Liverpool musician, Ian Brody, The Lightning Seeds achieved international stardom as one of the leading ‘Brit pop’ acts of the 90s. Ian Brody, alongside comedians Badiel and Skinner, wrote the anthem to Euro 96, ‘Three Lions’ which became an immediate anthem and made him a household name. http://www.lightningseeds.net/

This London born reggae artist has been recording and performing since the early 80s. He found a home on Mad Professors’ ‘Ariwa’ label and blossomed into one of the most highly talented and acclaimed reggae vocalists in the world. He has released countless LPs over the years and has toured the world, even performing for Nelson Mandela. http://www.mackab.com/

Dodgy are a power-pop trio who were originally together for 7 years and sold over a million records worldwide. Their biggest anthems were ‘Staying Out For The Summer’, ‘Good Enough’ and ‘If You’re Thinking of Me’. They reformed in 2008 and have returned to selling out venues across the UK including the Shepherds Bush Empire. http://www.dodgyology.com/

Formed in the ska-revival period of the late 1970s, The Beat has been hugely influential in the UK, USA and Australia. They have toured the world with David Bowie, The Clash, The Police and R.E.M. and feature acclaimed reggae/ska vocalist, Ranking Roger http://www.thebeatofficial.com/

Sheffiield based band The Crookes are poised to release their second LP on legendary indie label, Fierce Panda. They spent 2011 touring relentlessly in Europe and the UK which led to them performing over 200 gigs. Having recorded live sessions for BBC Radio 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 this local apt are set to take the world by storm. www.thecrookes.co.uk

One of the biggest acts on the legendary ‘2 Tone’ label, the Selecter are a Coventry based ska band who formed in the late 70s. They have notched up numerous chart hits that feature the distinctive vocals of lead singer, Pauline Black. They were a musical influence for John Lennon and a key part of the ska revival of the 70s and 80s http://www.theselecter.net/

Combining 8 horns with 2 percussionists scratch DJ and live MC, the Renegade Brass Band mix jazz, funk and hip-hop with a raw brass sound and high-energy live show. The Renegade Brass Band has already established a big live reputation as a headline act, and has appeared at The Tuesday Club in Sheffield and at events across the UK. http://www.renegadebrassband.com/

Kanda Bongo Man is one of the best known African music stars on the planet and a pioneer of the African Soukous music. He was championed by John Peel and Andy Kershaw in the late 80s and developed a huge fan base. With music driven by optimism and happiness, some of his career highlights have been performing to Nelson Mandela and taking part in LIVE8 in 2005. http://www.last.fm/music/Kanda+Bongo+Man

Sheffield's brass, cabaret, and wailing troupe of troubadours, guaranteeing a huge slice of Balkan, klezmer cheese! They perform their select brand of infectious Balkan versions of ‘Too Good To Be True’, ‘I Will Survive’, Doris Day covers and the Wallace and Gromit theme tune! https://www.facebook.com/thebalkanbandits

This 12 piece ska ensemble are a fast rising Sheffield band who have been packing out local bars and clubs. They recently supported The Skatalites and list Toots and the Maytals as a main influence, they’ll be chuffed to be on the same bill at Sheftival. http://www.junglelionska.co.uk/

Rollin’ out of the Steel City, this seven-piece rockabilly, R&B swing band are fronted by Miss Carmen Ghia. They embody the 1950s in their music and style and have taken the city by storm. http://carmenghiahotrods.co.uk/

Laura Steel is a local singer/ song writer who is set for total global domination. She is currently putting the finishing touches to her highly anticipated debut LP, recording in LA, London and New York. Her sound is pop/electro with rock elements and she is currently on a huge nationwide tour performing to 65,000 people a day. http://www.youtube.com/laurasteelmusic

Sour Cherry began life in Sheffield in October 2010. They played their first gig in April 2011 and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength performing in places such as Plug and the 02 Academy. https://www.facebook.com/SourCherryMusic?sk=info

Nisha Lall is a Bollywood dance choreographer who is well experienced in getting huge groups of people to take part in dances. At Tramlines 2009 (the first event), Nisha got hundreds of members of the public to do an impromptu version of the Slumdog Millionaire dance for what became one of the most memorable moments of the festival.

The Noise Blasters play infectious Bhangra rhythms that are guaranteed to get you moving. The band comprises of Satnam Singh and his two sons who have been trained to a high level in their father’s craft.

The Sheffield Samba band are a long established group with many members. They now have a wealth of experience, taking part in festivals, street parties and protests. They play tight, rhythmically driven music and dress in colourful costumes. A must for any festival! http://sheffieldsambaband.wordpress.com/

Blood Sport are a Sheffield band with a difference. They mix Afro-beat with noise-rock for a truly unique sound. Known for their ability to get the crowds dancing, they are not to be missed. http://bloodsportband.tumblr.com/

Based in Sheffield and led by the notorious Congolese guitarist "Guy Profa", Soukous Revelation - formerly Group Congolais - is a 5&6 piece music band which bring an African flavour to the world music scene with a positive message. https://www.facebook.com/CongoSoukousRevelation

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