Lydia Kotsirea

Lydia is the main vocalist in nu-jazz outfit Mamilah; as well as a solo artist and session musician.

Singing in basement jazz clubs to featuring on breakbeat and jungle tracks, Lydia sees no end to the fun of being a vocalist. Her tone is malleable but mostly it settles on a rich alto sound with an RnB flare.

Musical endeavors include The Belgrave House Band who re-imagen classic albums with energetic and creative live interpretations and work with new vocalists and musicians on each show. In our past five sell-out shows, we performed “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”, “Baduizm”, a double show of Amy Winehouse’s “Frank” and Destiny’s Childs “The Writing’s on the Wall”.

Lydia is the founder, vocalist and co-songwriter for 7 piece nu-jazz band Mamilah performing and releasing original work. Mamilah regularly gigs across the UK at venues and festivals; performances include Boomtown Fair, El Dorado Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, The Hootananny and Belgrave Music Hall alongside KOKOROKO, Craig Charles, Kool and the Gang and Yazmin Lacey & Galaxians. We have been supported by Jazz FM, Global Soul, BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire, Bandcamp Daily and Clash Magazine.

As a session musician, Lydia has recorded for Eliz du Toit’s short film ‘Lilias Adie’ featuring Kate Dickie in a tortured display of wailing and European-Phrygian style melodic lines.

Lydia is currently writing an album and is always looking for new inspiration and projects to be involved in.