“.​ ..unique new British Carnival sound with a decidedly London edge”​ BBC Radio2

“E​nchanting”​ Nelson Mandela

Meet Kinetika Bloco​ – an exuberant performance group of young musicians on brass, woodwind, drums and steel pans, plus dynamic dancers in colourful costumes. We draw on influences from around the world: the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa, Funk, Hip-Hop and of course, New Orleans jazz.

Our musical charity helps young people in South London aged 9 to 25 enrich their lives with creative activity. We work with ​500 young people per year through our summer schools, workshops and after-school projects.​ They come from diverse backgrounds, and some have additional challenges, from shyness to learning difficulties, disabilities or challenging home lives. We help them build confidence, resilience and musicianship.

We perform at prestigious venues and events: The Royal Albert Hall, Notting Hill Carnival, Bestival, London Jazz Festival, Roundhouse, Southbank Centre, Barbican Centre, Beijing Olympic Festival, London 2012 Victory Parade and the London Marathon. We collaborate with major artists like AfroReggae and Jerry Dammers and have appeared on radio and TV.

New Orleans: 2​2nd​ – 30th​ November 2019

Kinetika Bloco is taking 28 of its leaders and youth to the Birthplace of Jazz for an exciting and educational trip. We will collaborate with local musicians and meet with local schools and cultural organisations. We have 15 brass and woodwind players, 5 drummers, 3 dancers and 3 steel pan players.

Partners so far:​ Petr Verner from Jazz Foundation of America, The Hot 8 Brass Band, Andrew J Bower from Dolores T. Aaron Academy, The Preservation Hall Foundation.

“Music is in my blood – when I hear it, I dance. This trip will teach me about jazz and about life in other parts of the world, outside the London bubble.”
Imani Diallo, 15, dance

“This trip will help me learn more about the birthplace of my favourite genre of music: jazz. I will learn more about my instrument and develop my leadership skills.” Christ-Stephane Boizi, 15, trombone

The trip of a lifetime. ​The young people involved have been selected for their commitment and dedication to music. Many of them usually face barriers to this kind of opportunity, but have worked hard to help raise money for the trip and are going to represent the best of South London in the birthplace of Jazz.

Feature us: Would you like to do a feature on our trip before we go, or on our return to the UK. Please get in touch ASAP.

OUR MISSION

Kinetika Bloco’s mission is to engage young people from South London in long-term creative activity that enriches their lives. Through music, dance, design and leadership activities, our young people develop musical skills and learn to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. We’re proud that they also serve as positive role models in the London community.

For images, information or to schedule a photo shoot, contact:
Tamzyn French, CEO, ​Kinetika Bloco, R​egistered Charity ​1139623 tamzyn@kinetikabloco.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7960 4232 | +44 (0)7795 142535
Watch​ K​inetika Bloco in action​: h​ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukbmVjFWMto