Official Band Members

Lucas Keen is a renowned drummer and playwright of A Waltz in New Orleans, known for his expressive and melodic approach to rhythm. With performances at WOMAD, Latitude, and international stages in Burkina Faso, Uganda, and France, Lucas blends his musical skill with creative storytelling to captivate audiences worldwide.

A seasoned percussionist, Beto Monteiro has collaborated with some of the most influential names in Lusophone and world music, including Duo Ouro Negro, Waldemar Bastos, Filipe Mukenga, Tito Paris, and Sadao Watanabe. Known for his mastery of rhythm and passion for continuous learning, his dynamic playing brings depth and energy to every performance.

A world-class bassist, composer, and producer, Manuel has performed with legends such as Bonga, Cesária Évora, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has played at global festivals and appeared on iconic Brazilian TV shows. A versatile musician blending Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, and funk, he is also an experienced sound engineer and music producer.

Samuel Wango, a renowned Angolan pianist, producer, and arranger, has captivated audiences worldwide with his blend of traditional African music and global influences. A key figure in the UK’s Massemband, Samuel's collaborations with iconic artists across Angola, Portugal, and the UK have cemented his status as an inspirational and versatile musician.

Maurice Brown is a versatile lead guitarist with extensive experience in jazz, R&B, and world music. Throughout his career, he has performed alongside renowned artists such as Lynden David Hall, Sona Jobarteh, Courtney Pine, Errol Linton, Aswad, Lemar, Carol Thompson, and Bukky Leo & Black Egypt. His dynamic playing and genre-spanning expertise have made him a prominent figure in the UK’s live music scene.

B'WANI is a dynamic Angolan musician, producer, and songwriter, whose journey from Angola to Portugal and then London has seen him perform at iconic venues and collaborate internationally. Singing in both Portuguese and English, B'WANI’s music blends passion with purpose, and his determination continues to drive his success on the global stage.

Tello Morgado is a London-based Angolan percussionist with deep roots in traditional music. A key figure in the UK’s New Jazz scene, he has collaborated with major artists like Jocelyn Brown and Groove Armada while performing at festivals worldwide. He has also worked alongside Mário Rui Silva for five consecutive years, further refining his expertise in Lusophone and Afro-jazz traditions. With nearly 30 years of experience, a Master’s in Music from SOAS, and performances for high-profile clients including Mariah Carey and the British Royal Family, he continues to champion Angolan rhythms through his project, Batuke Royale.