Olayá is a female-led flute and percussion band inspired by Northeastern Brazilian Bandas de Pifanos (bamboo flutes), with the elemental force of flutes, rich vocal harmonies, driving percussion and bass. Olayá’s music is heavily rhythmic and contagiously fun, a fresh take on a traditional Brazilian sound never before heard in the UK. United by their passion for Brazilian music and exploring sounds, Olayá formed in 2022.
After their sold-out debut gig in May 2023, they were quickly approached by bookers across the country and have since headlined at festivals including Jaminaround, the Nest Collective, Wilderness, Ealing Jazz Festival & Kings Cross Summer Sounds as well as selling out multiple London gigs and being snapped up by Latin music promoter Movimientos. With original compositions and arrangements of melodies from piano maestros and Brazilian giants, their sets contain danceable rootsy Brazilian forró tunes as well as lush contemplative numbers, moving audiences in every way.
Olayá’s musicians have long been at the forefront of London’s Brazilian music scene. They have played in festivals and venues internationally with a plethora of artists including Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Alvorada and Antonio Forcione and have appeared on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and the West End stage.
“Olayá are a joyous, sunny, explosion of positive energy. Authentically Brazilian and authentically funky!” Olly Keen, Curator & Organiser of Jaminaround Festival
Olayá is the infusion of great minds and talents to create something truly unique and not heard anywhere else in the UK: This banda de pifanos is a melting pot of different musical talents and backgrounds: jazz, classical, folk and experimental improvisation combined with a deep love for Brazilian music. Individually, they all have a strong connection with Brazilian music, with many band members having lived and studied music in the region.
Rosanna Ter-Berg (flutes, vocals) - one of the most sought after multi-flautists, experimental improvisers and artistic collaborators in the UK and Europe. She is hailed as ‘supercharged’ (The Guardian) & ‘Outstanding’ (Independent) and plays music spanning Contemporary Classical to Klezmer and Latin music. Much of her work is also in theatre as a musical director and performer, including in the West-End on the three times Olivier Award winning show Emilia, and most recently Fiddler On The Roof at Regents Park Open Air Theatre.
Rachel Hayter (flutes, vocals) - flautist and composer specialising in Brazilian music. After an MA at GSMD, Rachel lived and studied music in Brazil with flute/pifano legends Alexandre Rodrigues and Carlos Malta & performed with many Brazilian musicians such as Nailor Proveta, Edu Neves, Jaque Falcheti. She plays with award-winning choro quintet Alvorada and her music appears on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM and Resonance FM. Rachel has lead Brazilian music courses in both SOAS University and Kings College London.
Inês Loubet (vocals, percussion) - one of London’s most exciting vocalists and multi-instrumentalists. Her original compositions navigate through the influences of Jazz, Brazilian music and her native language, Portuguese. Her musical ventures have been praised by the likes of Gilles Peterson and The Line of Best Fit, as well as earned her several international tours, radio appearances at Jazz FM, Worldwide FM & BBC Radio 3, and performances at The Union Chapel, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire & BBC Late Proms.
Julio de Castro (electric bass, vocals) - Brazilian vocalist, bassist, musical producer, arranger & collaborator. Notable artists he has featured with include Gal Costa, Racionais Mc’s, Marina Lima, Só Pra Contrariar, Negritude Jr, Carlos Da Fé & Apocalipse 16. He shares album credits with Abe Laboriel, Dean Parks, Tony Peluso (The Carpenters), Cuca Teixeira, Edu Martins, Sandro Haick, Tatiana Parra and Paulo Calazans to name a few.
Jansen Santana (percussion, vocals) - in demand globally as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is dedicated to showcasing the musical knowledge he has collected and researched from the streets of Salvador de Bahia, Northeast Brazil, where he was born and raised. Jansen collaborates with independent artists such as Antonio Forccione, Lucca Boscagin and Luiz Morais, as well as leading his own projects.
