Meet the Players

Essequibo Music Artists come from a wide range of backgrounds- combining the influence of multi cultural Britain with the Caribbean, Ghana, South America and Asia.

Keith Waithe
Flutes & Vocal Gymnastics

Keith is an award winning flautist, composer, teacher and expert proponent of vocal gymnastics system. Keith mixes many sounds, fusing enigmatic musical forms in performance, in addition to working on radio, theatre and television pieces. Keith's 7th album 'Diverse Canopy' has had excellent reviews.

Darryl Lee Que
Caribbean Drums / Percussion

Is an exciting and talented Caribbean Percussionist, Drummer and Singer. Darryl has been involved in Jazz, World Music and Cross over Rock styles. He has performed with Marianne Faithful, Eric Clapton and Johnny Nash.  His educational work includes the Gold Smith College’s research development project into varying types of performances that resulted in spending three months in India. He has conducted music sessions in several Schools and Community Groups in the West London area.

Jo-Jo Yates
Ghanaian Cora, Vocals & Kpanalogo Drums

Jo-Jo is a talented Cora Player, vocalist, Master Drummer, Percussionist and a long standing member of the Macusi Players. He has been on the Oxford contemporary Music Residency with Essequibo Music teaching in a variety of formal and informal educational settings.

Helen McDonald
Vocals / Percussion

Helen has a wonderful voice and charisma to inspire all talented singers out there! She has toured extensively with music and theatre groups performing a range of musical and drama styles. She is a songwriter and contributes her creativity to Essequibo Music.

Eustace Williams
Bass Guitar

Eustace is a founder member of the Macusi Players. Eustace has acted as the informal Music Director and an excellent and creative Bass Player.