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ABINA Charismatic Barbadian Singer Abina fronts the Band of the same name.
The music reflects her Caribbean origins and the various sounds heard in those Islands.

Click on following links to here Abina singing

live broadband video or 56 modem

Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Blues, Soca and Calypso. mp3 's

or check out the Soca Survivors videos on Abasindi's video page

   
   
   

 

There are some Classics in her repertoire such as- My Baby Just Cares for me, No Woman no cry, The way you look tonight, Route 66- to mention a few.

Before taking up singing professionally Abina spent a number of years Developing and Promoting Community Arts, in particular African and Caribbean Music and Dance. This involved working with a number of Community Artists e.g. Abasindi Drumming and Dance Company of which Abina was co-founder and Artistic Director and Founder of Soca Survivors - 9/13 piece Caribbean Party Music Band.
Abina also sang with local African Highlife Bands e.g. Waduku and Oduduwa in the early 80s and 90s. and has been compared to Nina Simone but doesn't try to sound like anybody.

Abina has the type of voice that mesmerises...M.E.N
Abina has been the recipient of Awards from the Manchester City Council and BBC GMR for her contribution to the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Opportunities.
ABINA - The Band has been playing together for around 10 years, it is not surprising they are often asked for return Bookings.

Don't miss an opportunity to see ABINA.

For Bookings - Contact: sideshowbob53@hotmail.com
(Mobile) 07951 001 699 - Tel: 0161 226 5310
 
Abina with Instinct at Iguana bar Chorlton, Manchester, 2006

CONTENT G

Abina with local Band-Content G Lead by Steve(Bassie), featuring Peter (Drums) Rodney (Guitar)Ronnie/Bluesman(Guitar)

Steve got the Band together towards the end of 2005 for a few Gigs (JAMS) locally."CONTENT G” played at Afewe Bar in Hulme, The Iguana Bar Chorlton and Uluru Café Bar , Chorlton. The Band was well received by audiences at all venues. Audiences were treated to Bassie's favourite Classic reggae tracks, Ronnie's Blues Compositions, a Vocal contribution from the Drummer, Peter and Abina's rendition of Bob Marley Classics and other Standards.
 
   
   

KIRSTY Howard

Inspirational duo scoop top awards by Emma Scott

BRAVE Kirsty Howard has been honoured by Manchester City Council with a special award for her fundraising efforts.

A one-off special award, Inspirational Achiever, was made to the nine-year-old at the Manchester City Council Community Awards gaia dinner for her unstinting fundraising.

The Kirsty Appeal has raised almost £5 million io secure the financiai future of Francis House Children's Hospice, on Parrs Wood Road, Didsbury, was also a finalist in the category of Young Persons Contribution to the Community.

Kirsty, who was born with her heart back to front and was not expected to live past the age of two. was unable to attend the ceremony at Manchester Town Hall on April 7.

But Susie Mathis. campaign co-ordinator, was there to accept her runners-up medal and certificate. She was also presented with a cheque for £500 for the Kirsty Appeal, a trophy, medal and certificate.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester. Councillor Afzal Khan, who presented the award, said: "This event was designed to acknowledge and reward those whose selfless actions make good things happen for others, and I am pleased and delighted to be a small part of that once again."

The Community Awards is a competition to reward everyday people who go that extra mile to help their neighbours and their communities.

There are nine award categories pi us the win­ ner of winners, Pride of Manchester Award. Each winner receives £250, a trophy, medal and certificate.

Winner of the Creativity in the Community award was Barbadian singer Abina Likoya, of Mayfieid Road, Whalley Range.

Abina runs Abasindi, an organisation founded to promote the education of Afro-Caribbean women and children in south Manchester, which is cele­ brating its 25th anniver­ sary.

Abasindi, a Zulu word meaning 'survivors' has provided recreational facilities and social welfare support for the ethnic group since 1980.

Abina formed the group with friends to improve self-esteem and quality of life for those in her community

 

Article about Abina in South Manchester Reporter, 2005

I arrived in Manchester on a beautiful day in Spring- in the early seventies – My husband had accepted a job at Withington Hospital and Moss Care provided us with a home in Whalley Range . I fell in love with Whalley Range immediately, I think the trees won me over. Before moving to Manchester I had lived in North London , Halifax and Oldham for a brief period. I am happy that I made the decision to stay in this area, I have been actively involved in Community Arts and other activities and have come to know and love the many diverse people who live and work in the Community, although I love my Country of birth, Barbados, Whalley Range has become my home. I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and always look forward to returning to my home in the Range. I like the fact that everything is in reasonable traveling distance and there is a diverse range of Cultural Activities which enriches the quality of life for all. I spent a number of years Developing and Promoting Community Arts, in particular African and Caribbean Music and Dance. This involved working with a number of Community Artists e.g. Abasindi Drumming and Dance Company of which I was co-founder and Artistic Director and Founder of Soca Survivors – 10 piece Caribbean Carnival/Party Music Band. I also sang with local African Highlife Bands e.g. . Waduku and Oduduwa in the early 80s and 90s.Over the years I have particularly enjoyed the opportunities to meet and work with a variety of Artists from around the world, many of whom were in Manchester as students. I have been the recipient of Awards from the Manchester City Council and BBC GMR for my contribution to the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Opportunities – A pleasant surprise. I was particularly disappointed when we lost the NIA Centre for African and Caribbean Arts. I currently work with both The 5 piece Band - ABINA which focus on Jazz, Blues and Ska and also with the Band Soca Survivors which focus on the lesser known forms of Caribbean Music e.g. Soca, Calypso. My favourite pastime is Making Music – My favourite Bar in South Manchester is The IGUANA and my favourite restaurant is VERNON 'S. When the pressure is on I relax by browsing in the local shops in Chorlton.If I was Queen of South Manchester I would decree that everyone must have a hobby which involve some aspect of performing arts.

 
 
 
2005
2005
Abina with Jamaica Folk Ensemble