Biography
Yussef Dayes, born in South East London, England, received his first drum kit at age four from his bass-playing Jamaican father, sparking a lifelong passion for music amid an eclectic household soundtrack of reggae, jazz, country, '60s pop, and jungle from his family members. By age ten, he studied under fusion drumming legend Billy Cobham, a pivotal influence that honed his skills, while practicing relentlessly to his father's jazz vinyl collection. At 15, he began gigging professionally, skipping school to perform with his brothers Ahmad and Kareem in the Afrojazz group United Vibrations, which fused Afrobeat, jazz, and rock, becoming a cornerstone of the South London jazz scene and even serving as the European backing band for Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen.
Fun Facts
- Yussef began drumming by banging on pots and pans, spotted by his father who then bought him his first kit at age four.
- His mother Barbara passed away from breast cancer in November 2015, just as his career with Yussef Kamaal was taking off.
- He incorporates sabar drums into his setup after being inspired by a clan of 50 Senegalese drummers led by Doudou N’Diaye Rose.
- Dayes hosted jam nights at Dalston’s Passing Clouds venue with United Vibrations and considers grime, hip-hop, and his brother’s jungle tracks key influences alongside jazz.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Billy Cobham - Direct teacher and fusion drumming icon (Private lessons) [Age 10 (around 2005)]
- Doudou N’Diaye Rose - Master sabar drummer observed in Senegal, inspiring polyrhythms and fluidity (Sabar drumming performances) [During travels (2010s)]
- Tony Allen - Afrobeat pioneer whose performance revealed drums' power to direct music (United Vibrations support gig) [Early 2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Kamaal Williams - Keyboardist and duo partner in Yussef Kamaal (Black Focus (2016)) [2015-2016]
- Tom Misch - Guitarist and singer on collaborative album (What Kinda Music (2020))
- Ahmad Dayes - Older brother, band member in family group (United Vibrations) [2000s-2010s]
- Kareem Dayes - Older brother, bassist in family group (United Vibrations) [2000s-2010s]
- Alfa Mist - Live performances and collaborations (Various live shows) [2010s]
- Shabaka Hutchings - Frequent collaborator in London jazz scene (Various projects) [2010s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Yussef Dayes has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.