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Meet the team

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Batala London music director calling at an event

Clinton Lane

Music Director / Band Leader

Originating from Liverpool, with cultural heritage from both Nigerian and Guyana, Clinton began his music exploration from just 6 years old. Starting on piano, his passion for music quickly spread into West African drumming and soon after, samba-reggae.  Clinton has progressed from being a fan of the music, to a skilled player and to a position now of Music Director.

Pilar Rowlands

Band Coordinator / Lead Choreographer

Originating from Rio De Janeiro, Pilar began her artistic endeavours as a prolific Latin dancer and teacher/choreographer. All her skills were transferred over to samba-reggae dance and percussion. Pilar has been an essential member of Batala since 2006 and continues to play and lead all elements of choreography. Pilar is also the coordinator lead for correspondence with event organisers.

Drummers at the Notting Hill Carnival
Close up of drums

Lucy Petrasso

Band Director

Lucy has been a part of the Batala family for many years and  formed Batala London in 2010 alongside Angus Sutherland and Liam Emerson. 

Honourable mention

Batala Paris Logo

Giba Goncalves

Batala Mundo Founding Father

Batala was formed in Paris in 1997 by renowned musician Giba Goncalves; a Brazilian percussionist who has played with Ile Aiye, Jimmy Cliff and Banda Kaoma. Giba studied Composition and Bass Guitar at the Paris Conservatoire. 

Photo of Giba Concalves
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