About

R.U.M. are a London-based collective blending deep grooves, electrified funk, soulful rock, Latin rhythms and jazz into an exhilarating live show. Born from a Sunday jam session in Kilburn, the band has grown into a powerhouse ensemble built on exceptional musicianship, collaborative songwriting and infectious energy.
Featuring musicians from Trinidad, Jamaica, Greece, Dominica, Australia and the UK, R.U.M.'s members have performed and recorded with artists including Johnny Nash, Jimmy Ruffin, Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Chaka Khan and Joss Stone. Fronted by the dynamic Ama Lia alongside bassist and co-writer Michael Bailey, the band combines original music with fresh interpretations of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Parliament-Funkadelic, while drawing inspiration from contemporary acts including Ezra Collective.
Following sold-out performances at PizzaExpress Live, the 606 Club, Verdict Jazz Club and Peggy's Skylight, R.U.M. released their debut EP What Is What, receiving airplay on Jazz FM, Mi-Soul Radio and BBC Radio London. A live vinyl recording and their debut album are due for release in 2026.
"Phenomenal group of musicians." – BBC Sounds
"R.U.M. Band delivers polyrhythmic fire, masterful musicianship, and grooves that refuse to let go." – Time Out
"Terrific." – Jazz FM
Support from Phoebe Rea
Opening the night is London-based singer-songwriter and keys player Phoebe Rea, whose music fuses nu-jazz, alternative and art-pop with groove-driven energy and strikingly honest songwriting. Classically trained in piano and violin, Rea brings together sophisticated arrangements, live instrumentation and vocals that move from intimate confession to fierce release.
Her debut EP, Anybody Else?, released in April 2026, explores perfectionism, people-pleasing and the freedom that comes from stepping outside expectations. Having performed at venues including Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's and Servants Jazz Quarters, as well as Truck Festival 2025, Rea is building a reputation for magnetic live performances that blur the boundaries between jazz, pop and alternative music.