Hastings Jazz Festival Presents: Samaki & Barnaby’s Big Band | Henry Ward Hall | 4:50pm

Samaki joins forces with Barnaby’s Big Band, led by festival co-founder & trombonist Barnaby Davies, for a one-off Hastings Jazz Festival performance — with Samaki’s Afrobeat-infused originals expanded into full big-band charts for the very first time. The project is driven by saxophonist and arranger Chris White, whose long-standing work with Van Morrison and Billy Ocean places him among the UK’s most respected touring musicians.
This special festival edition features standout soloists including trumpeter Joe Auckland (Strictly Come Dancing, The Horne Section), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Jessie Ware), and drummer Aram Zarikian, whose credentials include Afrobeat pioneer Dele Sosimi.
Expect driving grooves, huge horn writing and the full power of a big band behind Samaki’s music — a unique, festival-only collaboration.
Show: 4:50pmVenue: Henry Ward Hall