Laura Venegas-Rojas and Quimantu play Chidham

Laura Venegas-Rojas and Quimantu are returning to WemsFest on Saturday, October 24 at 8pm at The Old Malthouse (Chidham Village Hall), Main Road, Chidham, PO18 8TP (doors open 7.30 for an 8pm show).

Tickets on sale now at Bookends and Harbour Records Emsworth in Emsworth village, at the Westbourne Cafe in Westbourne Village and online at www.WeGotTickets.com/WemsFest

Quimantu reflects the spirit of the natural world alive within their music, through the many instruments they play that are made of wood and other natural materials and the songs and rhythms that they perform: Andean charangos with beautifully carved details, cuatros resonating with Venezuelan Joropo rhythms, exquisite violin playing and songs and music that speak of people and places, from the coasts of England to the shores of South America.

A spokesman said: “Inspired by the west African #Iroko tree, symbolising strength, endurance, and continuity across generations, this tour and the new album set for release in autumn 2026 mark the generational baton passing to Laura Venegas-Rojas as Quimantu’s lead singer.

“The daughter of Quimantu’s director/founder Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, Laura’s inimitable vocal style is rooted in her family heritage whilst exploiting the versatility of repertoire she has the talent to perform in Spanish and English.

“The concerts will feature a repertoire encompassing songwriters and composers across the Latin American and English traditions, such as Victor Jara, Maria Elena Walsh, Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, Steve Knightley alongside Quimantu’s unique arrangements of Western classical music and English traditional tunes and songs.”

Laura’s first solo album Iroko will be released on release November 12 on all major streaming platforms.

Rooted in the music and culture of her Chilean parents and shaped by an Essex upbringing, Laura has developed a distinctive voice that moves naturally between cultures, languages and musical traditions.

“Through the twelve songs she has selected for Iroko she allows her wonderful voice to thrive between tenderness, strength and contrasting emotions, approaching with ease the tradition and the soul of Latin-American songs layering this with her English influences to open a whole new world in the field of folk music in the UK.”

Laura said: “Choosing the songs for this album has been so much fun and a huge responsibility at the same time. I went back to the artists I grew up listening to, the songs I love and the people who’ve influenced me as a musician and as a human being, I’ve loved

every minute of it.

“Bringing my two cultures, my two worlds and my two languages together on this album has been such a gift. It feels really special to express all sides of who I am.”