ISKRA

Te Whanganui-a-Tara quartet ISKRA strips away chordal instruments to focus on driving, physical grooves. Inspired by Sons of Kemet, the band fuses Afrobeat, brass house, and acoustic dance music into a driving live set.

Featuring Josh Buckler on saxophone, Simon Grove on helicon, and the dual percussion of Ato Kwamena and David McGurk.

The ability to play fully acoustic or fully electric makes ISKRA as comfortable playing DIY house parties as festival stages.

Quick Stats

Origin: Wellington, New Zealand
Genre: Dancefloor Jazz / Afrobeat / Brass-House
Lineup: Saxophone, Helicon (like a Sousaphone), Drums, Percussion
Past Festivals: CubaDupa, National Jazz Festival Tauranga, Wellington Jazz Festival
Latest Release: Debut EP ‘The New Spring (August 2026)

Gear

Tenor sax, Bb clarinet, drum kit, helicon, hand percussion, dundun

Tags