Lori Vambe

Lori Vambe is a Zimbabwe-born, London-based experimental percussionist and instrument inventor known for his unique hybrid stringed drum called the drumgita (or drum-guitar). Moving to London in 1959, Vambe became a distinctive figure in the UK experimental music scene, especially within the Brixton squat movement of the 1970s. During this time, he collaborated with musicians like Michael O’Shea and sculptor Alexander Sokolov in the short-lived group The Healing Drums of Brixton. Self-taught and driven by a deep fascination with time, space, and new sonic possibilities, Vambe created music that blends Afro-blues, modal improvisation, and experimental soundscapes, aiming to explore what he called the "fourth dimension" through sound.

His most notable works come from a pair of privately pressed albums from 1982, *Drumgita Solo* and *Drumland Dreamland*, compiled in the 2023 release *Space-Time Dreamtime*. These recordings showcase his visionary approach, combining layered percussion, overdubs, and improvisations that evoke an otherworldly atmosphere. Vambe's music is often compared to avant-garde pioneers like Moondog and Harry Partch, distinguished by its independence, spiritual depth, and innovative use of custom instrumentation rooted in his African heritage.

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