"Made up of some of London's finest proponents of the art of flamenco, Sumaya never fail to astound audiences with their full-blooded take on the gypsy art-form. Cliches abound when it comes to describing flamenco. Passion, longing, intensity...words often used and abused. In this case they all ring true." FUTURE CINEMA 2006
"Flamenco band Sumaya never fail to send shivers down our collective spine with their percussion, guitar and vocals mix, featuring two astounding dancers. Arrive early... this one is always a roadblock." THE RITZY CAFE 2007
About Us
Sumaya are a London based flamenco group presenting an exciting mix of traditional and modern flamenco music and dance.
STEVE HOMES
At the age of ten taught himself flamenco guitar from recordings of the great Sabicas and later Paco de Lucia, giving his first solo performance at the age of fifteen.
He is widely regarded as one of the best and most original flamenco guitarists currently working in the UK. Notable UK venues he has performed at include the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican, the Commonwealth Institute and the Glastonbury Festival as well as many TV and radio appearances.
He has produced several recordings of his compositions the most recent being ‘Secret Garden’ – ("...magical..."– Steve Carr, Flamenco News.) He is currently recording new material for his next album, regularly performing and teaches flamenco guitar at the Spanish Guitar Center, Leicester Square, London.
MICHELLE CARRIER
Michelle Carrier "La Morenita" has lived and trained in Jerez, Spain with Jerez based artists Mercedes Ruiz, Chiqui de Jerez and Manuela Carpio, amongst others. Other reknowned flamenco artists she has studied with include Eva la Yerbabuena, Rafaela Carrasco, Belen Maya, Israel Galvan, Farruquito, La Truco, Manolo Linan and Marco Flores. In London she continues to train and perform with La Escuela de Baile, and played the role of Carmen in their 2005 production at the Peacock Theatre.
She has a strong background in ballet and contemporary dance and began performing flamenco in 1996. She has also performed in Spain and since returning has been performing regularly in the UK.
ULISES DIAZ ROPERO
Born in Toledo Spain, Ulises is one the most sought after flamenco singers in the UK. His influences range from the legendary Camaron de la Isla to the Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer. His voice is original and lends itself perfectly to the music he performs.
CAROLINA ESTEVES
Born into a Spanish family in Buenos Aires, Carolina started her dance studies at a young age when she attended classes at her local dance school. She studied ballet, drama, contemporary dance and tango. Later she took up flamenco and moved to Madrid for five years to pursue intensive studies with some of the great names of flamenco including la China, La Truco, Belen Fernandez, Yolanda Heredia in Amor de Dios and Rafaela Carrasco, Manolo Linan and Juan Polvillo in Jerez de la Frontera.
Carolina has an extensive background in all aspects of dance, from traditional tablao flamenco to contemporary dance – flamenco and street experimental flamenco.
She is now teaching and performing regularly in London at tablaos and peñas.
OTHER ARTISTS
Sumaya regularly collaborates with other professional flamenco artists be they dancers or musicians. An expanded line up is available on request to include a perucussionist, extra dancers, guitarists and/or singers.
