The idea for the WATU ensemble has arisen in December 2005 in Gambia, where Tomasz and Cassius were making music and learning together during the Course in West-African Music and Culture. Both students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, but coming from completely different musical backgrounds (Tomasz – baroque cellist and sound engineer from Poland Cassius – Tanzanian singer and drummer specializing in traditional East-African music) they were interested in sharing their musical ideas, learning from each other and creating something new and beautiful. Immediately after coming back to London they started experimenting with different musicians and genres, but it took a year to find the team that really ‘clicked’ and since December 2006 the WATU are: Maria Roma Klatka (voice - Poland), Pontus Rubin (guitars - Sweden), Cassius Maganga (voice, African drums - Tanzania) and Tomasz Pokrzywinski (bass guitar, cello - Poland).
It is an unusual mixture of sounds from three different countries and two different Continents. Additionally each member of the band comes from a completely different musical background which makes the mixture even more explosive. Main elements are African and European folk, jazz and western classical music. Surprisingly they understand each other very well and since the formation of the band (March 2006) they keep developing a common language, which they find really exciting. Supported by the Guildhall School they have recorded their first album in 2008.
The WATU are:
Maria Roma Klatka – she connects her two passions – singing and work with special needs people by organizing and directing musical projects with disabled artists. Musically her backgrounds are: free improvisation, jazz, soul, (Polish) folk and pop-rock.
Pontus Rubin – guitarist and songwriter with both jazz and classical background. He performs in various musical styles - mainly focused on improvisation.
Cassius Maganga – singer, drummer, songwriter – specializing in traditional East-African music, very experienced musician and workshop leader, performing and leading workshops through Europe and in his home country – Tanzania.
Tomasz Pokrzywinski – baroque cellist, bassist, sound engineer, arranger. His tries to approach music from different angles and perspectives and that's why he finds himself working with period-instruments ensembles, actors, dancers, visual artists and many others...
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4 Photos - Emily Baker
Just checking out when you're next playing and I can't make it! So sorry. Cassius when are you going home and when will you be back? Be lovely to see you all soon Em xx
