Kamaal Williams

NOTE: Doors at 7.00pm

Friendly Potential is proud to present Kamaal Williams for his one-off Aotearoa debut. Strictly improvisational using his recorded pieces as foundation, Kamaal Williams’ live show is a stunning example of what Jazz is and can be.

Kamaal Williams’ artistic practice is born out of an emergent multiplicity. Born in Peckham, London, and of Taiwanese descent, Kamaal has long been bridging worlds, spatially and culturally, geographically and sonically. Creator and founder of the London based Jazz duo, Yussef Kamaal, the album Black Focus reinstated a new wave of Jazz in the UK. In addition to live instrumentation, Kamaal Williams also releases electronic music under his given name Henry Wu.Emanating from the burgeoning South London scene, his many projects have defined a groundbreaking wave that has rippled across the music industry. Kamaal Williams is the archetype of how jazz has reached outward into new spaces, drawing from a wide pool of influences of modern club and hip hop culture.

First turning heads with Yussef Kamaal, a collaboration with drummer Yussef Dayes; their stand alone - certified classic album Black Focus changed everything in 2016. Always looking forward, Kamaal Williams has only reached new heights. Subsequent albums cementing his reputation as one of the world’s finest. In addition to live instrumentation, the creative mind also releases electronic music and DJs under his given name Henry Wu.

Get ready to witness masterful musicianship from an artist at the peak of his powers - expansive, unexpected and with his trademark heated edge. Kamaal Williams comes ready to hit the gas on his potent lowrider fuel packed with groove led cosmic keys and snappy rhythms. Essential shows from a trailblazer who gives it everything on stage. Don’t miss magic this October / November.