THIS nine-piece African ensemble, including a bass guitarist from Huddersfield, transformed the usually staid old Theatre Royal into a dance hall with exuberant playing and singing lasting three hours.

Scores of people, including some from the dress circle, left their seats and crowded into the space at the front of the stage where they danced the night away.

Both band and impromptu dancers fed off each other's energy. This was African music at its best - bridging the divide between audience and musicians.

Batanai Marimba changed rhythms as smoothly as an advanced motorist changes gear.

The band's sound was driven by the four-strong marimba/drum section, which was augmented by bass guitar, saxophone, maracas and two electric guitars - one rhythm, the other lead.

The drumming was phenomenal, with the hands of the drummers becoming a blur during the frenetic passages. The marimba playing was equally exciting as the indefatigable percussionists exchanged riffs with the saxophonist and the guitarists.

The music was not all fast and furious. A solo singer started the concert, accompanying herself on a "thumb piano". She was followed by a duo sporting elaborate feather headdresses and playing similar instruments housed in hollowed-out pumpkins - music in harmony with nature.

Eventually they were joined by all members of the band who played their music with a tremendous sense of fun and joy.

Their songs were positive, expressing the importance of remaining cheerful throughout the ups and downs in life.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, June 02, 2003