Who are sofrito?

A stylistically unique band from day one, the members of Sofrito have been singing, performing, and playing in sync as if they’d been together their entire musical careers. Throughout the course of the group’s collaboration, they have won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life and across genres. While performing at a variety of venues and making countless public appearances, their captivating, high-energy concerts have earned them an ever-growing fan base.

Best known as a local Latin Rock Band, Sofrito has developed and grown in popularity since 2010, Influenced by the community, culture, and sounds of Latin America and Cuba they perform music that speaks to fans across the musical spectrum. Their signature style has become synonymous with diversity and a feel-good factor.

Who's who...

Tony Webster

Guitar

Tony started the Tony Webster Jazz Band in 2008 in Leicestershire. However, was continually drawn towards Afro Cuban Latin vibes. The inspiration initially came from the wonderful vibrant bands he experienced whilst on holiday in Trinidad, Cuba. Upon his return, Tony decided to change the Band direction, which is now heavily influenced by the sounds of Carlos Santana.

Andre Brewster

Bass

Bio coming soon...

Paul Whistler

Drums

Bio coming soon...

Astra Sirbon

Vocals

As a singer-songwriter who sings Jazz, Soul, Reggae and Latin. She has worked with various bands in Leicester singing lead and backing vocals for many other projects in Peterborough and London at small to large venues and festivals nationally with such artists as:

Delroy Williams of Desmond Decker and the Aces
Zeb Roots and The Tony Webster Band. Having been with the previously named ' Tony Webster band' for several years, a decision to find a new name came and Sofrito was born. Covering versions of mixed music genres in a Latin style, it is a source of great delight for the audience to dance.

If the lyrics of a song lament it won't escape her touch, she will infuse her vibration of love, adding to the fun and percussive rhythms.

As a band, we love what we do as our audience loves what we play, but most of all:

"We Do It, The Sofrito Way!"

James Williams

Keyboard

James has been playing the piano since the tender age of six and completed two years of Music and Theatre Studies in Bristol. His predominant influences consist of jazz of most types but primarily Herbie Hancock; Chick Corea; Bill Evans; Oscar Peterson; Jaco Pastorius and Ella Fitzgerald, but his musical taste does not stop there, he is into many styles of music such as rock,pop,gospel and classical.

Nile Gamez

Percussion

Nile has many years of experience playing drums and percussion with various styles and bands performing both nationally and internationally. He has done sessions for BBC Radio 2 and appeared a number of times on TV including performances with Sally Barker - runner up on BBC's 'The Voice' with Tom Jones - and not to mention an appearance with his band 'Blues Electric' on the BBC quiz-show 'Egg Heads'!

Nile was introduced to the art of playing congas by the percussionist of the world-renowned Latin dance band of the time, the Trinidadian 'Edmundo Ros Orchestra'
Nile is an avid fan of both Leicester City Football and the Leicester Tigers Rugby Clubs and also has a keen interest in Bobsleigh racing where his son Adam has represented both GB and Trinidad & Tobago.

Ian Morris

Percussion

Bio coming soon...