| AKSamba | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Genres | world percussion |
| Instruments | drums |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Website | http://www.aksamba.org.nz |
AKSamba is a percussion group based in Auckland, New Zealand. While predominantly inspired by Brazilian rhythms, the group's music also incorporates international rhythms such as drum'n'bass, funk, disco and ska, as well as West African ones.
Formed at the end of 2002, the group now has around 50 members covering a wide age range and from many different nationalities. Its musical director is Darren Cottingham. Band affairs are coordinated by a committee. AKSamba regularly works with visiting percussionists from around the world such as Mohamed Bangoura, Cabello, Monobloco and Ricardo Ó Rosinha.
AKSamba performs in a variety of settings including festivals, parades, and community and corporate events around New Zealand's North Island. It also runs workshops and introductory percussion courses aimed at the public. The summer performance season culminates each year at the Jambalaya Festival or Wellington's Cuba Street Carnival where AKSamba and other samba groups from New Zealand (Wellington Batucada; Tauranga Samba; and Rotorua's Samblasta) play in a street parade.