Ilu Axé

Ilu Axé (Eeloo Ashay) means 'drum and positive energy' in Yoruba, celebrating the West African heritage of Brazil.

Based in Bristol, UK, our music and moves hail from Brazil’s original capital city, the magical Salvador da Bahia.

For performances, Ilu Axé can adapt from a six-person stage group to a full carnival procession of over thirty drummers.  Our performances have included several UK and international street events and festivals, such as WOMAD, Shambala, Boomtown, Glastonbury, and St Paul’s Carnival, as well as many other public and private events across the UK.

We mix the rhythms, dance, and songs of Samba-Reggae, Samba de Roda (the original Samba found around Salvador), ijexá (the Afro-Brazilian religious drumming, dance, and songs of Candomblé) with our own compositions, arrangements, and choreography.  This is funky, Northeast Brazilian-style carnival music and dance.

Ilu Axé is formed of people from all walks of life and all drumming skill levels.  Yet, all in our community shares the same passion for spreading good vibes and putting smiles on our audiences' faces.  If you hear the call of the drums; we practise on Wednesday evenings and socialise together whenever we can.  Come and join us!

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