Inclusive, Diverse and Community Focussed

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Batala Mersey is a dynamic community samba reggae drumming band rooted in Afro-Brazilian musical traditions.  Established in 2015, Batala Mersey now boasts over 65 musicians.​

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Through our celebration of rhythm we promote cultural diversity, empowering individuals to express themselves through the joy of our music.

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We inspire audiences across the Liverpool City region with our vibrant performances, uniting our local communities.  This collective energy fosters creativity, cultural exchange and advocates inclusivity, racial equality and social justice.

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We are a Community Interest Company

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Proud of our Brazilian roots and community focus, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2020.  This enables us to operate on a not for profit basis with our funds going directly to costumes and drums (produced in Salvador, Brazil), kit and rehearsal spaces. 

We adhere to the ethos of the wider Batala movement which is based on inclusion, equality and joining together to make music and enrich members’ lives and communities.​​​

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We feature at some of the regions biggest and brightest events including Liverpool Waves, Afro Cultural Festival, Africa Oye, Dubbed Out Festival, British Musical Fireworks Championships and Southport Flower Show. 

Nationally we join our sister bands for Notting Hill Carnival, St Paul's Carnival and Edinburgh Fringe amongst others.

Our members also have the opportunity to drum all over the world and regularly play with our 46 worldwide sister groups including in our spiritual home of Salvador, Brazil where we join one of the oldest carnivals in the world to celebrate our Afro Brazilian roots.