Amore: Jazz & World Music Night
An always-eclectic line-up of jazz, funk and soul bands, singer-songwriters, poets and spoken word artists. Music line-ups for September-December 2026 will be announced in due course.
Thursday 29th August
Headline Act: Kasai Masai
Rooted in the rich musical traditions of the Congo, Kasai Masai is a dynamic soukous band known for their electrifying performances and infectious rhythms. Led by the charismatic Nickens Nkoso, a multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter, composer, percussionist, dancer, the band brings the raw energy of Congolese folklore to the global stage.
Kasai Masai has become a powerhouse in the world of Rumba and Soukous, blending infectious guitar melodies, pulsating rhythms, and electrifying stage performances. Their high-energy performances and unmistakable grooves have earn them a reputation as one of the most exciting live act in the contemporary soukous world. Whether performing in London, Paris or New York, the band continues to spread the joyous and rhythmic spirit of Congolese music to the new generations. With a legacy built on passion, rhythm, and cultural pride.
“Kasai Masai is the finest soukous band in the UK” - DJ Jamie Renton
Since their formation, the band has performed at prestigious venues, and festivals worldwide, sharing stage with some of Africa’s greatest musicians. Their high-energy shows have made them a favourite in the world music scene, drawing crowds in Europe, Asia and beyond. Kasai Masai remains at the forefront of the soukous movement, proving that the heartbeat of Congolese music will never fade.
https://www.youtube.com/@kasaimasai1332
https://www.tiktok.com/@kasaimasai
https://www.instagram.com/kasai_masai_official
www.reverbnation.com/kasaimasai6
Support Act: Tim Hain & Jamside Up Band
“Timeless” Tim Hain is one of the UK’s finest 'old school' blues guitarists, but he can’t resist a bit of reggae. He is also a compelling communicator and singer-songwriter. He has been called “The Van Morrison of Blues-Reggae” by legendary producer Chris Kimsey who mixed Tim’s latest album 'Tales Of Timeless Tim' and produced both the Rolling Stones and reggae icons Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff.
Tim has performed at Riverside several times, always to a rousing reception. With powerhouse Chris Belshaw on Bass, and Tansay Omar (Bjork, Boy George, Stereo MCs) on drums, this will be a stripped down, up-front performance; “back to the roots”, as Tim puts it, but all the more powerful for it.
His single 'Sister Rosetta' was voted record of the week on New Dawn Radio’s 'Jukebox Judgment' by top industry pros, and made Mile Read’s Heritage Chart.
Tim Hain is a compelling performer, singer, guitarist, songwriter and bandleader with roots in blues, reggae, and all the great singer-songwriters.
He has played over 1800 shows in the last 15 years, honing his songs and skills in the best possible way – in front of a live audience. He has worked with the best on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the US he wrote and jammed with legendary producer-drummer Narada Michael Walden, played with Zakiya Hooker (daughter of Blues Legend John Lee Hooker) and former members of Jefferson Starship (Pete Sears) and Quicksilver (Zero).
In the UK he has played guitar for top reggae artists including Tyrone Taylor (Cottage in Negril) Aswad (played on a TV theme song Tim wrote) and jammed with guitar legends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6cz-X4-i2A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXSQ-2Pg4k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXSQ-2Pg4k
Support Act: No Wahala Sound Orchestra
The orchestra play an eclectic mix of World Music, with inspirations from Sub-Saharan African Music, Arabic Music, Gypsy Music, Folk, Blues/Jazz.
All compositions performed are original, with bandleader Johnny Mooney (bass guitar), Paul Carey (drums), Ania Nizio (vocals), Adel Rahal (guitar), Iyaz Awan (Percussion), and Henry Knudsen (Sax).
