Yussef Dayes is a London-based drummer and jazz percussionist associated with contemporary jazz and jazz fusion. He is part of United Vibrations, Yussef Kamaal and the Yussef Dayes Trio.

Background

Dayes is born in South East London in 1993. He receives his first drum kit at the age of four from his Jamaican father, who plays bass. His mother plays country music and 1960s pop at home, while his father plays reggae and jazz records. This mix of music shapes his rhythmic approach. At the age of ten, he studies with fusion drummer Billy Cobham, an experience that helps set him on the path toward professional musicianship. He is also influenced by the grime and hip-hop he hears among friends at school, as well as jungle music produced by his older brother Ahmad.

United Vibrations

Dayes first gains wider attention as part of United Vibrations, formed with his brothers Kareem and Ahmad and their friend Wayne Francis II. The group combines Afro-beat with jazz and rock elements. Before his teenage years, they are already playing in South London areas such as Peckham and Camberwell. Their 2009 single “Ra!” is inspired by Sun Ra and appears on their 2011 debut album, Galaxies Not Ghettos. Their 2012 EP We Never Die includes tributes to John Coltrane and Gil Scott-Heron and features grime MC Conrad Kira on the title track. The group receives acclaim for its second album, The Myth of the Golden Ratio, released in 2016.

Yussef Kamaal and solo work

In 2015, Dayes forms Yussef Kamaal with Kamaal Williams. Their 2016 album Black Focus, made with Shabaka Hutchings, is released on Blue Note and is later certified silver. The duo is named Best Breakthrough Act at the 2017 Jazz FM Awards. A scheduled performance at South by Southwest in 2017 is cancelled because a travel ban prevents Dayes from entering the United States. After the duo splits, he works on tracks with artists including Alfa Mist, Charlie Stacey and Rocco Palladino. In 2018, he releases his first solo single, “Love Is the Message.”

What Kinda Music

Dayes later collaborates with Tom Misch on What Kinda Music, a Blue Note album that grows out of studio sessions begun after they meet while working on Loyle Carner’s single “Angel.” The album reaches the Top Five of the UK charts in 2020 and becomes his first charting album.

Labels and style

He is associated with the labels Cashmere Thoughts and YD Music Limited. His playing is described as expressive and characterful, and his work sits within jazz, contemporary jazz, jazz fusion, funk and soul.