zola steelpan
Zola is a professional steel pannist providing feel-good music at special events across the UK.
Performing from a repertoire full of popular music, Zola covers R&B, Afrobeat, Indie, Reggae, Pop and more. Expect to hear hits from Taylor Swift, Bob Marley, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, & Luther Vandross to name a few!
MUSICAL ACT
Zola Steelpan is a cover act, playing and improvising over well-known songs & backing tracks
Setlists can be tailored to suit the style of the event
Zola can also improvise live alongside a DJ in club-style settings
Zola can provide a portable speaker and can be set up anywhere in the venue
PLI Insurance, PAT Test, Risk Assessment, IR35 Form and UTR info can be provided upon request
BIO
Zola's journey with the steelpan began in Leicester at the age of 6 when she discovered the vibrant steelpan scene at the African Caribbean Centre. By 15, she had joined Contrast Steel Band, where she honed her skills and had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events like the London Notting Hill Carnival and National Panorama Competitions, collaborating with esteemed groups such as Real Steel and Metronomes Steel Band.
After pursuing a career in fashion merchandising upon moving to Manchester in 2021, Zola soon realised her true passion lay in creating music. In 2023, she found her voice through busking, which provided her with the platform to embark on a solo career. With a diverse repertoire of over 100 songs, Zola aims to shine a spot- light on the steel drum, showcasing its unique and vibrant character.
"My music effectively addresses the shortfall of authentic steel drums in music. The Island instrument was only created in the 1930's, and is therefore still relatively new. Many producers choose to use a pitched up/down midi sample of the drum, creating an instant loss in the dynamics and beauty of the sound” - Zola
Setup
TYPE 1: PERFORMER BRINGS EQUIPMENT
Performer to provide all sound equipment
Portable & rechargeable PA means the performer can be set up anywhere in the venue as background music (Bose S1 Pro)
Due to the loudness of the instrument, the mic is optional
TYPE 2: VENUE PA
This setup is preferred for stage performances
The steelpan will require a floor stand and mic plugged into the venue’s PA system
Backing tracks will be played off the performer’s iPhone using an aux chord into the PA system
VENUE REQUIRMENTS:
A PA system
1 x Microphone
1 x Floor stand
1 x Microphone lead
1 x Aux cord
NOTABLE CLIENTS:
Turtle Bay - Boo Hoo - Mercedes-Benz - Notting Hill Carnival - Band On The Wall - Melanin Markets - Peddler Markets - Salford Business Awards - Moovin Festival - Ramona & The Fire House - Manchester International Festival - Factory International
ayeshahg@gmail.com
Reviews:
Everyone in attendance sincerely appreciated your presence and eclectic choice of music - dinner time has never been so pleasurable! - JANET 02.06.2024