Biography
Yussef Dayes, born on December 12, 1992, in South East London, is an English jazz drummer, composer, and record producer known for his innovative contributions to modern jazz. Introduced to music at an early age, he received his first drum kit at four from his Jamaican bass-playing father, while his mother exposed him to country and '60s pop music. This diverse musical environment, combined with his father's reggae and jazz vinyl collection, deeply influenced his rhythmic sensibility. At age ten, Dayes began formal study under legendary fusion drummer Billy Cobham, which cemented his pursuit of professional musicianship. He grew up immersed in the South London jazz scene, playing with his brothers in the Afrobeat-jazz fusion band United Vibrations, which gained acclaim for blending Afrobeat with jazz and rock elements.
Fun Facts
- Dayes was given his first drum kit at age four by his father after showing an aptitude for banging on pots and pans.
- He studied sabar drumming in Senegal, which deeply influenced his rhythmic approach and sonic identity.
- His debut solo album Black Classical Music samples his daughter's voice and is dedicated to his late mother, who passed away in 2015.
- United Vibrations, the band he formed with his brothers, served as the European backing band for Aloe Blacc on his UK tour.
Associated Acts
- United Vibrations
- Yussef Kamaal
- Yussef Dayes Trio - eponymous, lead vocals, original
- Yussef Dayes Trio - eponymous, original, percussion
- Yussef Dayes Trio - drums (drum set), eponymous, original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Billy Cobham - Fusion icon and formal drum teacher who tutored Dayes from age ten, influencing his professional musicianship and fusion style (N/A (teacher-student relationship)) [circa 2002–early 2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Kamaal Williams - Keyboardist and co-founder of the duo Yussef Kamaal; collaborated on the album Black Focus (Black Focus (2016)) [2015–2017]
- Tom Misch - Guitarist and singer; collaborated on the album What Kinda Music (What Kinda Music (2020)) [2019–2020]
- Ahmad Dayes - Brother and trombonist in United Vibrations (United Vibrations albums including The Myth of the Golden Ratio (2016)) [2009–present]
- Kareem Dayes - Brother and bassist in United Vibrations (United Vibrations albums) [2009–present]
- Wayne Francis II - Friend and saxophonist in United Vibrations (United Vibrations albums) [2009–present]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging UK jazz and fusion musicians - Dayes' innovative drumming style and genre-blending approach have inspired a new generation of jazz musicians in the UK and beyond (Various contemporary UK jazz recordings influenced by his style) [2015–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| What Kinda Music | 2020-04-24 | Album |
| Black Classical Music | 2023-09-08 | Album |
| Black Classical Music | 2023-09-08 | Album |
| Welcome to the Hills | 2020-12-03 | Album |
| The Yussef Dayes Experience (Live From Malibu) | 2024-01-26 | Album |
| fabric presents Maribou State (DJ Mix) | 2020-03-27 | Album |
| MALIK | 2025-09-05 | Album |
| Lotus | 2025-06-06 | Album |
| Black Classical Music | 2023-09-08 | Album |
| Welcome to the Hills | 2020-12-03 | Album |
| Alive in the East? | 2018-06-22 | Album |
| Journey to the Mountain of Forever | 2017-06-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tidal Wave (What Kinda Music)
- Nightrider (What Kinda Music)
- Sicily' Box (Sicily' Box)
- What Kinda Music (What Kinda Music)
- Rust (feat. Tom Misch) (Black Classical Music)
- Woman's Touch (feat. Jamilah Barry) (Black Classical Music)
- Raisins Under the Sun (feat. Shabaka Hutchings) (Black Classical Music)
- Birds of Paradise (Black Classical Music)
- I Did It For You (What Kinda Music)
- Last 100 (What Kinda Music)
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-jazz, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Yussef Dayes has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 16, 2025 | 01:56 | Birds of Paradisefrom Black Classical Music | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 00:50 | Amami (feat. Minami Kizuki)from Amami (feat. Minami Kizuki) - Single | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 08:13 | Odysseyfrom Welcome to the Hills | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |