Interview with Tina from Big Mambo: Funk, Fire & Fearless Women in Music
As proud GFW brand ambassadors, Big Mambo bring unstoppable energy and fearless creativity to every stage they step on. The all-female four-piece from Bristol are living proof that music knows no age or limit - and that groove never goes out of style.
After reforming in 2024 following a 30-year hiatus, Big Mambo are back with their signature blend of funk, rock, and pop - and a powerful message of joy, resilience, and representation. We caught up with the band to talk about their journey, their reunion, and what’s next.
We first heard them at the Out & Wild Festival in July last year. We were casually waiting for their set, knowing nothing about the band and prepared ourselves for an okay gig. That soon changed - it was a jaw dropping moment, we looked at each other and said, “Wow, these women are amazing! We did not expect that.” We were totally blown away and screamed like even one else wanting more when the set came to an end!
We were keen to find out more about their story, and fired a load of questions to co-founder Tina.
GFW: How did Big Mambo originally come together?
Big Mambo: Big Mambo started in the late ’80s when friends Sal and Tina discovered that they both played guitar and decided to form a band. Alex was told she’d have to learn the bass, and they soon advertised for a drummer. After gigging for a few years with a few different drummers, Sue answered an advert - and that’s when Big Mambo finally felt right. It was only then that we really began to develop our funky sound.
GFW: Who were your main musical influences then - and now?
Big Mambo: Our unique sound has a funk and rock foundation. It’s really hard to pin it down but the sound has been influenced by a wide range of musical artists, ranging from the not-so-obvious 40s and 50s swing, 70s and 80s pop artists such as early-Queen, Bowie, Chic, Earth, Wind and Fire and 90’s icon Prince. Sal’s songwriting draws on this eclectic mix of genres as well as her own lyric and musical style. It’s then easy for each one of us to add our own bits which contribute to the Mambo sound.
GFW: What led to the band parting ways - and what brought you back together after 30 years?
Big Mambo: After a while, the band naturally parted ways as everyone developed different life priorities. That was until 2024!
Sal and Tina had both become involved in an allotment campaign group and started bumping into each other at meetings and demonstrations. After about a year of campaigning, the group decided to hold a social event, and Sal had a eureka moment: “Let’s get Big Mambo back together to play at it!”
At our reunion rehearsal, we realised we still remembered most of the old songs, and that sparked something. Feeling inspired, Sal began writing new material, and that’s when Big Mambo was truly reborn.
“We still remembered most of the old songs, and that spark was instant. It just felt right again.”
GFW: Tell us a bit about your song writing process.
Big Mambo: Sal is the genius behind all the song writing. She says:
“I don’t consciously try to balance the funk and pop elements; it’s just how it comes out of my brain! I tend to start with a chord sequence or a guitar riff, then put the melody line on top and add the lyrics last. The feel of the tune instructs the lyrics. Then I’ll add a bass riff or something like that. That’s basically the process; it just falls out of my brain! Then the band gets together, puts our individual touches to it, and makes sure it passes our criteria of ‘banger not filler!’”
GFW: How has being an all-female band shaped your experience in the industry?
Big Mambo: We’re still in a very male-dominated industry, but it’s inspiring to see many more incredibly talented female musicians now. With the rise of music colleges, there are far more opportunities for women to learn and develop their craft, they just need the openings when they graduate!
When we started, it was so different. There was no internet, so everything was done by phone or post, we had to send off cassettes! We didn’t even know of another all-female band of musicians at the time.
That said, standing out as an all-female band can actually be an advantage, it gets people’s attention. And we’re proud to break all the stereotypes.
“No one expects post-menopausal women to be playing the kind of music we do, so in that sense, we hope we’re a good role model for women of all ages.”
GFW: What’s next for Big Mambo?
Big Mambo: We’re doing more recording early next year, and after a successful year of gigging, we’re hoping to get into some bigger festivals and play in new towns and cities.
GFW: Anything else you’d like to add?
Big Mambo: Just that we’re having an amazing time doing what we love again, and it’s incredible to see people dancing, smiling, and connecting with our music after all these years.
GFW Says:
“We see Big Mambo as the real Riot Women - fearless, unapologetic, and breaking every stereotype. They’re bold, authentic, and unstoppable, both on stage and in life.”
We love the energy, honesty, and pure joy that Big Mambo bring to everything they do. As musicians and as women breaking boundaries, they embody the spirit of GFW: authentic, inclusive, and unapologetically bold. We’re also proud to fit them out in our GFW shirts and look forward to exploring unique shirt designs with them that reflect their energy and fearless spirit.
Find out more
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bigmambobristol/
Instagram
@bigmambobristol
https://www.instagram.com/bigmambobristol/
TikTok
@big.mambobristol
https://www.tiktok.com/@big.mambobristol
Spotify
https://tinyurl.com/BigMamboSpotify