Roots, Rock, Reggae from Africa & Jamaica
Combining talented musicians from across Ireland and Africa The Light Runners are a roots reggae band that seamlessly blends fluid African vocal harmonies and melodies with the irresistible groove of classic reggae. Their tour around Ireland has seen them put their unique stamp on many classic reggae numbers from Bob Marley all the way to the South African reggae music of Lucky Dube, embracing songs by Max Romeo, Peter Tosh & Steel Pulse (even Jimmy MacCarthy) on the way. The Light Runners have also been working feverishly in the studio on their own original music which is due for release in the coming months. .
The Light Runners were formed in 2014 by Lazare Mbouwoua the lead singer and frontman of the group whose passionate and enigmatic performances have brought people of all ages to the dance floor. Having worked with reggae bands for years in the Congo and Germany Lazare is the band leader and driving force on stage.
Lead guitarist best known for his work with legendary Congolese bands OK Jazz and Zaiko Langa Langa as well as “Ireland's most travelled African band” The Lace, Daniel Muyombo is a true power house of the electric guitar, his solos breathing new life into many reggae classics. Affectionately referred to as “6000 volts” by his bandmates, Daniel has been electrifying audiences across Ireland and Europe with his improvisational flair.
Daniel is joined on stage by his long-term friend and collaborator Troca, also from Kinshasa, the capital of the D. R. Congo. Always 'the man at the back' Troca has played the drum kit behind Daniel for decades. Performing shows in countries across the world, his knowledge and experience makes him undoubtedly one of the top African musicians working in Ireland today. Percussion player, Patrick Naughton has also played alongside Daniel and Troca in a number of bands including Guadeloupian Gwoka band Pitak.
Other members include backing vocalist Benita Nsudila, also from the DRC, and saxophonist Olly Elsholtz. Best known for his work with groups The Cosmic Funk Band, Quangodelic, and countless more, Olle is a music graduate from Northern Ireland and much in-demand as a live and session saxophonist. Also a music graduate, guitarist Mark Fenny from Cork has played venues all over the country with a variety of acts including appearances at Electric picnic and the Late Late show in 2016. Dave “the Groove Machine” Scanlon is a man with a background in funk and jazz. having played with groups such as The Cosmic Funk Band and countless jazz performances with many of Cork City’s top jazz artists. Dave is a melodic and captivating bass player who brings the smooth fretless groove of Jaco Pistorius and tight funk to reggae.
Since forming in 2014 The Light Runners have enjoyed a great reception from venues all over the country and are looking forward to taking it further afield with festivals around Ireland already booked for 2016. And with the release of their upcoming singles taking giant strides toward a bright future.
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