Formed in 2004 by Jean Blanchard Azip aka Blanchard de Plaizir, Britannia Rumba is an innovative blend of Congolese rumba, Soukouss, Manchester’s music energy and modern music technology and opens up a new world of sound and rhythm to the live music going public. The band also provides a context for African musicians in the city to get together and develop their sound. The band has 8 members made of musicians and Afro Queens dancers and can perform as a 6 piece acoustic set or a full 8 piece band with dancers. Blanchard De Plaizir is the driving force behind the band which has entertained and inspired audiences at venues all round Greater Manchester – G Mex, The John Thaw Studio, University of Manchester, Contact Theatre, Bolton Octagon Theatre, Manchester Academy, Platfield Park, Leeds festival, Wigan One World Festival, The imperial war museum in Salford, The Telfords Warehouse, The brewery arts Centre in Kendal, Reading Festival, Respect Festival, Zion Centre, the Exodus Festivals and Exodus live band nights in Hulme Park, The mint lounge, Life cafe and many more venues across the Northwest. Following the release of his second album “Plaisir ya trop”, Blanchard has successfully toured West and East Africa and received good reviews across the media in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Burkinafaso, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. As a band, Britannia Rumba has built a strong reputation as one of the most exciting live music and dance groups in the North West. Festival firm favourites, they electrify the crowd with their infectious soukouss rhythm and dance wherever they appear.