Collection: Yussef Dayes

Yussef Dayes is an English jazz drummer, composer and record producer who has become one of the defining voices in contemporary UK jazz. Born 12 December 1992 and raised in South East London, Dayes has been developing his sound since age four when his dad bought him his first drum kit. His father was a bass player in New York in the 1970s and brought home an education's worth of jazz vinyl that the Dayes brothers all grew up on.

Dayes is known for his work with keyboardist Kamaal Williams, releasing the 2016 album Black Focus as the duo Yussef Kamaal. That record became a landmark of the London jazz resurgence, winning the duo the 2017 Jazz FM award for Best Breakthrough Act and earning silver certification. Though largely considered a jazz drummer, his sound melds everything from 1970s funk to Senegalese percussion to recent UK grime.

Dayes, along with guitarist Tom Misch, released a collaborative record titled What Kinda Music under Blue Note Records on 24 April 2020. The album marked his first appearance in the UK Albums Chart. On 8 September 2023, Dayes released his debut solo album Black Classical Music on Brownswood and Nonesuch Records in the United States. Black Classical Music won the Best Album Ivor Novello Award in 2024, cementing his position as one of Britain's most important jazz artists.

His early career began with the band United Vibrations, formed with his brothers Ahmad on trombone and Kareem on bass, alongside saxophonist Wayne Francis II. At age ten, he studied under Billy Cobham, Miles Davis' drummer. On his solo work, he often plays with bassist Rocco Palladino and keyboard player Charlie Stacey.

Whether laying down intricate breakbeats or exploring spiritual jazz territories, Yussef Dayes brings an energy and vision that continues to push the boundaries of what jazz drumming can be.