Situated in the heart of Limassol’s scenic old town, down an alleyway decorated with plant pots, strings of lights and several bars and cafés is the lively Mason Bar with its well-known courtyard. It is its intimate garden that welcomes musicians from around the island and abroad, bands and wild carnival parties. This December, in between the DJ sets, come two local bands.

On Thursday evening Mason Bar will fill Latin jazz sounds as Macumba takes over the floor. Local musicians G. Morfitis, E. Ioannou, R. Panagiotou meet Rodrigo Cáceres from Chile to bring an explosive blend of Brazilian samba, rumba and guaguancó Afro-Cuban rhythms mixed with some jazz. The band has performed extensively around the island at some of the most important cultural institutions and next week it returns to the Limassol bar for a groovy performance starting at 9pm.

Later in the month, local band Namuba will perform live a few days for Christmas. Nabuma is an original soul/alternative R&B band, formed in 2018. They are currently composing and rehearsing their own material, while also performing around the island, including a December 23 gig at Mason bar.

The line-up consists of lead singer Nicole Ardanitou, bass guitarist Andreas Matheou, electric guitarist Alexis Kasinos and drummer Kris Grecian. Their inspiration and influences derive from soul, neo-soul, and R&B music, admiring artists such as Lianne La Havas, Jordan Rakei, Moonchild, Jorja Smith, Lana Del Rey and many more. Blending each member’s different musical background and inspirations, all of the musicians share the same love for groove and soul that they aim to spread with audiences.

Macumba Live

Local band plays Latin jazz live. December 16. Mason Bar, Limassol. 9pm. €5 music charge. Tel: 99-211280

Namuba

Local soul, R&B band live. December 23. Mason Bar, Limassol. 8pm. €5 music charge. Tel: 99-211280