Manchester Ska Foundation - Band Members

Our front man, incorporates that rare combination of outstanding performer and entertainer, with vocals that some say are better than the original. Add to that his ability to play sax and harmonica, and not least the fact that he is genuinely one of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, we think an awful lot of him.

Apart from possessing the most horrendous collection of shirts in the known universe, not to mention the carousel of hats he seems to carry about with him, Chooi, along with Lee is the other founder member of the band.  He acts as MD and provides occasional refreshments at rehearsal time.  A slightly better sax player than caterer, he grew up in a swing band and has always had a passion for ska, reggae and dub. Nowadays he splits his time between teaching saxophone, composing and performing.

Christopher O'Neill A.K.A "Christofari" is one of Manchester Ska Foundations newest members and recently played festivals with Homgrown UB40 tribute band in Venezula, South America and Kjawick Beach, Holland. Chris has played extensively across the uk with different reggae and ska bands such as Homegrown UB40, Trevor Roots & The Collaborators and Homegrown Effect to name a few and is now enjoying his new role within Manchester Ska Foundation. Chris has a real passion for reggae, dub, jazz and world music and has gained the named "Christofari" by fellow musicians due to his love of reggae, dub and ska music. He is currently gigging with two boards a Roland JunoG Synthesiser and a Korg Triton.

Dubman formally known as Mark Smith is Manchester Ska Foundation's sound engineer and stand in bass player. Growing up in Longsight, Manchester, Dubman was surrounded by music from an early age. His Dad, Alan, is a Jazz bass player and was the bass player in the house band at the late Bernard Manning's World Famous Embassy Club before touring with jazz band Casablanca Steps during the 80's and early 90's on the QE2 cruise ship. Having exposure to all this music at a young age Dubman was most definitely put on this earth to make music. Having played with several original and tribute bands over the years he has become a an all round musician, engineer and producer and has worked and collaborated with many artists across Manchester's diverse music scene.

Adam is the youngest member of the band. He joined the band in 2011. His love of music began at 13 when he got his first guitar, there has been no stopping him since. He has a collection of guitars so you may never see the same one twice! His passion for Ska & Reggae is down to his Dad as it is his favourite too. "There is nothing better than playing Ska to a live audience and seeing everyone skanking and having a great time"

Davies is the heart beat of the mighty Manchester Ska Foundation. Originally from Venezuela, South America, Davies Delgado played reggae music from an early age. He moved to New York in the 1990's and toured extensively across North America with different bands including, Trumystic, with Kirsty Rock now of Easy Star All Stars. A never ending portfolio of backing legendary reggae artists such as Yami Bolo, Dawn Penn, Marica Davies and Mikey Dread.

Lynne says she has been playing trombone since her arms were long enough, (her dad was a band leader) all types of music (big band, brass band, orchestras, motown and soul.) She love's ska and often needs a nudge when gigging to stop dancing so much, and start playing!!  Her playing career is immense and she has played everywhere, from street corners to the Royal Albert Hall.  Her hero is Rico (formerly of the Skatalites and currently with Jools Holland) and she loves his style of playing and 'fat' ska sound. Well, if you've heard her play you'll already know that!!

Josef has worked as a performer, composer and music teacher. He has composed music in a variety of genres for short films and theatre and worked with bands and artists such as Mr Scruff, Aim, Fila Brazillia and Carmel as a trumpet and keyboard session player, both in recording studios and on tour in the UK, Europe, Venezuela and Japan.
His main achievements include performing at Glastonbury Festival, Radio 1's John Peel show, Ronnie Scotts' jazz club and playing trumpet on the "A Question of Sport" theme tune.

Paul Ren, sometimes known as Pea is the bass player of the band.  He has been involved in music in some shape or form all his life. He enjoys all aspects of the art form.  His experiences have encompassed many things over the years from the design and construction of sounds systems to the writing and performance of new music.
Most of all, Paul enjoys playing live where the music makes people want to get up and dance.  He quotes "It has to have an uplifting energy about it and the Manchester Ska Foundation has all the right ingredients to do just that".

Vince, with this much talent on offer you'd think he'd have a swagger in his walk and an attitude to go with it. On the contrary, Vince is one of the most unassuming people you'll meet, but when he gets on his sax, you suddenly realise, you're in the presence of greatness!!  Again a multi-talented instrumentalist, Vince is building up a broad portfolio of international work.