Nubiyan Twist

A blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers join forces to create a unique, infectious sound drawing on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, latin, soul, reggae and dance music - expect ultra-tight musicianship and a powerful 9 piece, big band sound.

"A beautiful blend of groovy dub with uplifting horns and soulful vocals" The Guardian

"A free-flowing assemblage of jazz, soul, hip hop and diasporic styles." Mojo

“A cauldron of energy that bubbles with invention. Exhilarating stuff.” Record Collector

Since forming in 2011 at the Leeds College of Music, Nubiyan Twist, led by Tom Excell, have risen to become one of the leading groups in the fertile UK music scene. Known for their eclectic blend of styles and powerful sound, the virtuosic nine-piece band’s thrilling exploration of tight musicianship and infectious grooves have consistently mesmerised audiences.

Their 2015 self-titled debut album and acclaimed ‘Jungle Run’ in spring 2019 led to their third massive album ‘Freedom Fables’, released on Strut Records in March 2021. The album was heavily playlisted on BBC 6 Music alongside live sessions with Gilles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs and Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2, plus their UK TV debut on Later…with Jools Holland.

UK tours in 2019, 2021 and 2022 included sold out dates across the country and they've rocked festival stages at Glastonbury, Wilderness, Green Man, We Out Here, WOMAD, Shambala, Love Supreme, Boomtown, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and David Byrne’s Meltdown as well as supporting legends such as Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor and Nile Rogers and Chic. In Europe, alongside their own headline tours they've performed at renowned jazz festivals including Supersonic, Jazz A Vienne, Jazz A Junas, Prague International Jazz Festival and Montreux Jazz amongst others.

Following 2024’s acclaimed 'Find Your Flame', praised by Rolling Stone, Jazzwise, NPR and more, 5th album 'Chasing Shadows' pushes the band’s sound further into new soulful territory under Excell’s expert guidance, featuring bright new vocalist Eniola and a glowing cast of icons and innovators. Malian star Fatoumata Diawara lights up the title track on a powerful slice of Afrobeat, Joe Armon-Jones leads the dub workout ‘Rhythm Of You’, Patrice Rushen steps in on piano in ‘Threads’, and the band take it back to their hip hop roots on great collabs with The Pharcyde’s Bootie Brown, Ghanaian MC M.anifest and London dancehall favourite, Mr Williamz.

On 'Chasing Shadows', Nubiyan Twist continue to look outwards with their music but keep the focus firmly on humanity and positivity. It is an album which crosses continents and which shamelessly celebrates our collective strength.

Why We're Called Nubiyan Twist

"Nubiyan Twist started as a university project at Leeds College of Music, with our first album serving as bandleader Tom Excell’s final degree submission. The name was inspired by a lyric from The Fugees - “I rock the Dooby and L rocks the Nubian twists” - as well as a nod to our original lead singer, Nubiya.

Nubiya was instrumental in shaping the band’s early sound and identity. She left the project following the release of Jungle Run (2019) to follow her own creative ambitions, with our full support. By that time, the band had already established strong momentum under the name Nubiyan Twist, and with her blessing, we collectively chose to keep the name moving forward.

Over the years, we’ve had open and honest conversations about the name, including whether we should change it. While views within the group have varied, the reality is that a name change at this stage could jeopardise the future of the project. As a large, independent outfit, we’ve had to make some tough but necessary choices to ensure the band’s survival. Ultimately, we believe the values we stand for - the messages in our music, the inclusive spaces we aim to create, and the diverse, connected audiences we’re so proud to bring together - speak louder than the name alone.

We recognise that “Nubiyan” may be seen as a reference to Nubian culture, which holds deep historical and cultural meaning for many. Although our music draws inspiration from a broad spectrum of global influences - especially from the African diaspora - and we’ve been honoured to collaborate with legends like Tony Allen, Mulatu Astatke, Fatoumata Diawara, and Pat Thomas, the name itself is not a direct reference to Nubian culture. Instead, it marks a specific part of our own story.

Nubiyan Twist has always been a multicultural and multi-ethnic collective, featuring both Black and white members who contribute to its unique sound and identity. Our diversity is central to how we create, and we are committed to making music that respects, uplifts, and celebrates the rich cultures that inspire us.

At our core, we aim to make music grounded in respect, curiosity, and meaningful collaboration -values that continue to guide everything we do."

Tom Excell

“An elegant yet earthy hybrid of jazz, UK soul and highlife" Uncut

“Nubiyan Twist explore oppressive mindsets while maintaining danceable momentum.” Jazzwise

“Energy, rhythm, youthfulness, madness, precision and multiple influences.” Rolling Stone

"Vibrant and vivacious" BBC Music

“Jazztastic Afro-kissed funk.” NARC