Papa Shango – Biography

Papa Shango are a twelve piece rock band, resplendent with backing singers and dancers, they put on extraordinarily large, vivid and entertaining rock shows.

“Lunatic rap rock and oddness” – Kerrang

“Highly skilled musicians with fine song writing nous, they’re nothing like anything you’ve seen or heard before” –Herts live

“The internet killed live music…Papa Shango are saving it” NME.

Papa Shango are from various provincial towns in Hertfordshire and Essex. They formed many years ago at a central musician’s hub, known as “The Square” music venue in Harlow (Essex). That venue has since sadly been knocked down to build a municipal car park! Out of the ashes (and bricks and plasterboard and sticky floor) they met, and blossomed into a live beast now unleashed.

Papa Shango have had many musical achievements over the years. Collectively they have played and headlined numerous music venues up and down the county. Including festivals such as Boomtown, Bearded Theory, Standon Calling and many more. They have been supported by Republica and Alex Bay and have supported many bands including Skunk Anansie, Toploader, Black Grape and many other festival favourites.

Individually, Papa Ryan (bass) was George Ezra’s music lecturer at college and the first one to hear and help on his mega chart hit “Shotgun”, Papa Ryan has also played bass on the recording of 40 Watt Sun’s album which was glowingly reviewed in Rolling Stone magazine (America). Many moons ago Papa Rob’s (vocals) metal band “Fruit Tree” were signed to metal label Copro who supported Napalm Death around Europe. Papa Steve (guitar) still plays in Collapsed Lung and had chart success with their song “Eat my Goal”.

Papa Shango’s genuine eclectic and eccentric sound could maybe be described as a heavier version of The Darkness with a touch of Rage against the Machine and a dash of James Blunt. Most importantly, included in the Papa sound are female lead vocals (Mama Karen), and backing singers “The Pappettes”.

Dammed by the pandemic, Papa Shango had to put their latest album on ice. However, “Risk Assessment” their greatest opus to date will be released date August 25th 2022.

"BUCKLE up and steel yourself for the ride of your life when tongue-in-cheek rockers Papa Shango take your venue by storm" Bishop Stortford Observer.

“Papa Shango have a stage show that most bands can only dream of” – Sonic Abuse

“Their melodic and catchy guitar riffs, coupled with joyous lyrics makes for a spectacle you'd be mad to miss”. – Hertfordshire Mercury.

"Papa Shango are a joyous spectacle, resplendent in merriment and a true musical seventh wonder of the world" - The Guardian Music.

“Go and get shangoed” BBC Live

“Amazing, astounding, ridiculous” Time Out

Scars of Protests added as support 1 more TBC

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