Ibibio Sound Machine bring sounds and stories of Nigeria to Kendal

The group has members with roots in Nigeria, France, Ghana, Brazil and Australia – influences they combine with disco, post-punk and psychedelic electro soul.

“London is so multicultural and being based here means we’re a real melting pot with everyone bringing their own vibe,” explained Eno.

But it was in Eno’s heritage that the idea for the band originated – Ibibio is the southeastern Nigerian language spoken to her by her mother and grandmother, and which she now sings in.

“I was born in London but I spent most of my formative years in Nigeria and the stories I heard as a child were all in Ibibio.

“I think it’s good for anyone to see the world rather than just one part of it – you can learn from other cultures to add to what you know.”

Folk stories recounted to Eno by her family form the creative lyrical fabric of the album, including recent single ‘The Talking Fish (Asem Usem Iyak)’.

“The message of that story is that things are not what they appear,” Eno said, “and another song is based on the Christian story of the Prodigal Son, which is about how God loves us the way our parents love us.

“All these stories had a cultural background as well as a moral, so it was really cool to transfer that storytelling from my childhood into a different time and place.

“It was a fun and exciting experience putting the stories to music because Ibibio is not much documented in modern times and it’s a really interesting, rhythmic language.”

Ibibio Sound Machine released their self-titled debut LP through Soundway Records in March.

Their singles 'Let's Dance' and ‘The Talking Fish’ were both added to the BBC 6 Music playlist and the group performed both tracks on Later with Jools Holland.

As part of a string of dates this autumn ISM are playing at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre on November 14.

On what audiences can expect from the show, Eno said, “It’s a high energy show – we like to keep everyone dancing and bring lots of joy.”