zola steelpan
Zola is a professional steel pannist providing feel-good music at special events and functions across the UK.
Performing from a repertoire full of popular music, Zola covers R&B, Afrobeat, Indie, Reggae, Pop and more. Expect to hear hits from Taylor Swift, Bob Marley, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, & Luther Vandross to name a few!
Portable setup / PA can be provided
Setlists can be tailored to suit the style of the event
PLI Insurance, PAT Test, Risk Assessment, IR35 Form, and UTR info can be provided upon request
BIO
Zola's journey with the steelpan began in Leicester at the age of 6 when she discovered the vibrant steelpan scene at the African Caribbean Centre. By 15, she had joined Contrast Steel Band, where she honed her skills and had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events like the London Notting Hill Carnival and National Panorama Competitions, collaborating with esteemed groups such as Real Steel and Metronomes Steel Band.
After pursuing a career in fashion merchandising upon moving to Manchester in 2021, Zola soon realised her true passion lay in creating music. In 2023, she found her voice through busking, which provided her with the platform to embark on a solo career. With a diverse repertoire of over 100 songs, Zola aims to shine a spot- light on the steel drum, showcasing its unique and vibrant character.
“My music addresses the shortfall of authentic steel drums in music. This Island instrument was standardized in the 1930’s and thus still relatively new.”
“Whilst there is some digital representation of steelpan in current music, my aim is to bring this instrument to people live, showcasing its true beauty and dynamics. As one of the very few active steelpan musicians in the North West, I want to support this instrument in getting the recognition it deserves.”
Setup
TYPE 1: PERFORMER BRINGS EQUIPMENT
Performer to provide all sound equipment
Portable & rechargeable PA means the performer can be set up anywhere in the venue as background music (Bose S1 Pro)
Due to the loudness of the instrument, the mic is optional
TYPE 2: VENUE PA
This setup is preferred for stage performances
The steelpan will require a floor stand and mic plugged into the venue’s PA system
Backing tracks will be played off the performer’s iPhone using an aux chord into the PA system
TECH SPEC:
A PA system
1 x Microphone
1 x Floor stand
1 x Microphone lead
1 x Aux cord
NOTABLE CLIENTS
Turtle Bay - Boo Hoo - Mercedes-Benz - Notting Hill Carnival - Band On The Wall - Melanin Markets - Peddler Markets - Salford Business Awards - Moovin Festival - Ramona & The Fire House - Manchester International Festival - Factory International
Setlists
REGGAE
UB40: Red Red Wine
Dawn Penn: No, No, No
Bob Marley: One Love
YG Marley: Praise Jah In The Moonlight
Bob Marley: I Shot The Sheriff
Bob Marley: Is This Love That I'm Feelin’
Bob Marley: 3 Little Birds
Musical Youth: Pass the Dutchie
Magic!: Rude
Sean Kingston: Beautiful Girls
NOUGHTIES POP
TLC: No Scrubs
Britney Spears: Toxic
Knarls Barkley: Crazy
Lily Allen: Smile
OutKast: Hey Ya
Corinne Bailey Rae: Put Your Records On
Amy Winehouse: Valerie
Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
Vanessa Carlton: A Thousand Miles
Take That: Rule The World
Robbie Williams: Angels
Coldplay: Viva La Vida
ACOUSTIC
Katy Perry: The One That Got Away
Bruno Mars: Just The Way You Are
Ed Sheeran: The A Team
George Ezra: Paradise
The Lumineers: Ho Hey
Daniel Caesar, H.E.R: Best Part
Jason Mraz: I'm Yours
Beyonce: Halo
Bobby Caldwell: What You Won't Do for Love
Doja Cat: Kiss Me More
Willow Smith: Wait a Minute!
Radiohead: High and Dry
Beyonce: Love on Top
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
Plain White T's: Hey There Delilah
Justin Timberlake: Cry Me a River
Radiohead: Creep
Daft Punk: Get Lucky
Thee Sacred Souls: Can I Call You Rose?
Knarls Barkley: Crazy
Bill Withers & Grover Washington, Jr: Just The Two of Us
Al Green: Let’s Stay Together
Ben E. King: Stand By Me
Corinne Bailey Rae: Put Your Records On
Bill Withers: Lovely Day
Outcast: Hey Ya
Bob Marley: Three Little Birds
Wiz Kid ft Tems: Essence
Am Winehouse: Valerie
PIANO
Lily Allen: Somewhere Only We Know
Leona Lewis: Run
Tom Odell: Another Love
The Fray: How To Save A Life
One Republic: Apologize
Christinia Perri: A Thousand Years
John Legend: All of Me
Ed Sheeran: Perfect
Adele: Make you Feel my Love
Emeli Sande: Read all About It
DANCEHALL
Beanie Man: Rum & Redbull
Beanie Man: Dude
Elephant Man: Bun Bad Mind
Elephant Man: Pon De River Pon De Bank
Tavis World: Mind My Business
Mical Teja: Dingolay
Mr.Vegas: I Am Blessed
Rupee: Tempted to Touch
Tanto Metron & Devonte: Everyone Falls In Love
Sean Paul: I’m Still in Love with You (feat. Sasha)
POP CLASSICS
Ben E. King: Stand by Me
Bill Withers: Lovely Day
A-ha: Take on Me
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing
Luther Vandross: Never Too Much
Grover Ft Bill Withers: Just the Two of Us
The Hues Corporation: Rock the Boat
Elvis Presley: Falling in Love with You
Al Green: Let’s Stay Together
Frank Sinatra: My Way
Lionel Ritchie: All Night Long
Van Morrison: Brown Eyed Girl
Top Loader: Dancing in the Moonlight
Candi Staton: Young Hearts Run Free
Beatles: Here Comes the Sun
Jackie Wilson: The Sweetest Feeling
Stevie Wonder: Superstition
Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough
Jackson 5: I Want You Back
Kool & The Gang: Celebration
Earth, Wind & Fire: September
MODERN POP
Tones & I: Dance Monkey
Taylor Swift: Shake It Off
Camila Cabello: Havana
Bruno Mars: Nothin’ on You
Bruno Mar: Marry You
Bruno Mars: Locked Out of Heaven
Florence and the Machine: Dog Days
JLO: On The Floor
Coldplay: A Sky Full of Stars
Harry Styles: As It Was
Ed Sheeran: Bad Habits
Jess Glynn: Hold My Hand
Camila Cabello: Bam Bam (feat Ed Sheeran)
Dua Lipa: New Rules
Maroon 5: Moves Like Jagger
HIP HOP & R&B
Ariana Grande: Thank you, Next
Drake: Passionfruit
Post Malone: Circles
Post Malon: Congratulations
Nelly Furtado: Say it Right
Ashanti: Foolish
Alicia Keys: No One
SZA: Kill Bill
Timbaland: The Way I Are
AFROBEAT
Ckay: Love Nwantiti (ah ah ah)
Rema: Calm Down (ft Selena Gomez)
Wizkid: Essence (feat. Tems)
D’banj: Oliver Twist
Tyla: Water
JUNGLE / GARAGE
Emeli Sande: Heaven
Artful Dodger: Moving Too Fast
Shanks and Bigfoot: Sweet Like Chocolate
Sia Little Man: Exeman Works
INDIE
Tame Impala: The Less I Know The Better
Two Door Cinema Club: What You Know
Paramore: Still Into You
Arctic Monkeys: Snap Out Of It
Empire of the Sun: We are the People
Bombay Bicycle Club: Feel
Crystal Fighters: LA Calling
The Temper Trap: Sweet Disposition
The Neighbourhood: Sweater Weather
DISNEY
Under The Sea
Just Can't Wait To Be King
I Wanna Be Like You
High School Musica: Breaking Free
Frozen: All is Found
Frozen: Into the Unknown
Encanto: We Don’t Talk About Bruno
The Princess and The Frog: Almost There
Tangled: I See The Light
ayeshahg@gmail.com
A brilliant artist who brought a lot to a booked workshop for Y11 students where I work. She captivated their interest and they were respectful of her performances and talk. I also booked her again for my 40th Birthday party a few months ago. Zola is so flexible with her playlist, she reflected the mood of the party and even lent us her microphone for karaoke. Lots of fun had and I wish I could book her again soon! - SAU MAI 11.09.2024
A smooth and intricate steel pan player with a fab and broad repertoire of music! not to mention the warm beautiful and friendly presence - YEMI 20.08.2024
Booked Zolatec for a Baby Shower and it really set the atmosphere and brought the sunshine to our event! Very professional throughout booking process and a very talented musician! Everyone loved it and was the talking point of the day! - RACHEL 19.07.2023