The Yussef Dayes Experience is the evolving live ensemble led by British drummer, composer, and producer Yussef Dayes. Emerging from London's vibrant contemporary jazz scene, the group blends jazz with Afrobeat, hip-hop, soul, broken beat, funk, electronic music, psychedelia, and world music into an immersive live performance.
Born in South East London in 1993, Dayes began playing drums as a young child after receiving his first kit from his Jamaican father, a bassist and jazz enthusiast. His musical upbringing was remarkably diverse—his father introduced him to jazz and reggae, while his mother played country music and classic pop. Later influences included grime, jungle, hip-hop, and fusion drummer Billy Cobham, whose mentorship helped shape Dayes' distinctive style.
Before launching his own projects, Dayes was a member of United Vibrations, then gained international recognition in the acclaimed duo Yussef Kamaal, whose 2016 album Black Focus became a landmark recording in the UK's new jazz movement.
Following the duo's split, Dayes collaborated widely, most notably with guitarist Tom Misch on the 2020 album What Kinda Music. Around the same period he assembled what would become The Yussef Dayes Experience, a flexible touring ensemble featuring musicians such as, Venna – saxophone; Rocco Palladino – bass; Charlie Stacey – keyboards; Elijah Fox – keyboards, (earlier lineups); Alexander Bourt – percussion; and Miles James – guitar, (studio and touring).
Rather than remaining a fixed band, the Experience functions as a collective, allowing Dayes to expand compositions through improvisation while incorporating different musicians and influences. The performances are renowned for their rhythmic complexity, extended improvisation, and deeply atmospheric grooves.
Albums:
2016: Black Focus – with Yussef Kamaal
2020: What Kinda Music – with Tom Misch
2020/2021: Welcome to the Hills – with the Yussef Dayes Trio
2022: The Yussef Dayes Experience – Live at Joshua Tree
2023: Black Classical Music
2023: Marching Band / Tioga Pass EP
2024: The Yussef Dayes Experience – Live From Malibu