Wibidi

Wibidi is a Cardiff-based music project founded by members of Super Furry Animals, including Daf Ieuan and Cian Ciaran, with Guto Pryce also involved. The group forms around singer Rashid Omar, who performs as Wibidee and comes from Butetown, also known as Tiger Bay, in Cardiff. The project grows out of a collaboration between local musicians rather than a conventional band launch.

Formation and line-up

The project begins after an encounter involving Daf Ieuan and Rashid Omar, leading to recording sessions and further band development. Alongside Omar, the project includes Daf Ieuan, Guto Pryce and Cian Ciaran from Super Furry Animals, as well as Kris Jenkins, Drumpton Ward, Yussef Mohamed and Arran Ahmun. Kris Jenkins, associated with The Peth, plays a key role in initiating the recording process.

Background and sound

Rashid Omar is born and raised in Butetown and sings in part to make his family and friends proud, as well as to pursue a childhood ambition. His early musical influences range from Fats Domino, Bob Marley and Mud to T Rex, David Bowie and The Jackson 5. Wibidi draws heavily on the musical and cultural diversity of Butetown and combines reggae, punk and funk.

Recording

The project records material for an EP titled Wibidi Street. Songs associated with that recording include “I’ve Got a Car”, “Suicide Baby”, “Lockdown” and “Wibidi Street”.

Live activity

Wibidi appears at three Cardiff venues over three consecutive days in August, presenting the project in smaller spaces than those usually associated with Super Furry Animals.