At the helm of MASIBA are multi-instrumentalist Abi Hardiman and gifted piano player Sam Leach. Abi's impressive background as a seasoned performer began at a young age, writing her first song at 11 and captivating audiences as a singer-songwriter during her teenage years. Prior to MASIBA, Abi's involvement in the influential band Haraket left a lasting impact on the south London music scene, influencing her sonic arrangements. She continues to collaborate with Ojan Genc (Haraket, SONLIFE) and lends her vocals to electronic ambient releases.
Abi's musical exploration extends to Brazilian music, where she actively participates as a percussionist and vocalist in bands such as Baque Luar and Big Ben Jorge. This showcases her versatility and unwavering commitment to embracing various musical styles, including but not restricted to samba, maracatu, and the psychedelic sounds of 70s Brazilian popular music. Abi's passion for these genres adds depth and richness to the MASIBA repertoire.
Sam Leach and Abi share a longstanding bond that traces back to their time at the Brit School, where their friendship flourished. Sam's innate musical talent and emotive piano playing have a significant influence on Abi's creative approach. His spontaneous improvisations lay the foundation for MASIBA's captivating ambient explorations. Amidst the chaos of artistic expression, Sam's creative choices serve as invaluable markers, guiding the direction of their sound. With impeccable taste, Sam also takes on the role of a co-producer, shaping the distinct MASIBA sound.
The rhythmic backbone of MASIBA is skilfully crafted by the talented drummer Ollie Barnett, whose intuitive sense of groove breathes life into Abi's compositions. Together with Ollie Bailey on bass and Ben Kwan on guitar, the trio forms a close-knit rhythm section, a band of brothers bound not just by music but by the shared experience of living and creating together in the vibrant heart of North London. Their collective interest in jazz harmony and neo-soul injects a fresh energy into MASIBA's sonic landscape, providing a solid foundation for Abi's soaring vocals and the creative interplay of the band.
The synergy among the MASIBA band members is palpable—a testament to the deep bonds forged over years of friendship and musical exploration. MASIBA is more than a band; it's a collective of kindred spirits, each bringing a unique hue to the canvas, painting a musical landscape that defies boundaries and invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey.