“I pressed record, therefore I am”- The Venus Bushfires
The Venus Bushfires is a creative collective of one and many, of which Helen Epega is the only constant member. The Nigerian-British singer-songwriter, composer and performance artist explores the ethereal sounds of the 'hang', the power of the talking drum and the quirks of children's toys cross-fertilising multiple visual and musical styles.
Helen harnesses influences from avant-garde, psychedelic, tribal and meditative arts and draws inspiration from musical and creative pioneers such as Fela Kuti and Kate Bush, creating music and stories that explore the sensual and the spiritual. She describes her music as Afro-Sonic. She became known for her captivating and trance inducing live sets, immersive performance-art shows and impromptu sound journey displays in unusual spaces.
Her talents have been called upon to create music for Christian Dior, Sony Play Station, Disney, Oxfam, British Asian Trust (one of HRH Prince Charles' personal charities) and her songs have been featured on international television and documentary films.
In 2008 she orchestrated the world's first ever "hang flash gig" at the Lovebox festival in London which was broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK.