Musical Guests Oka Vanga #originalitybydesign

photo: indiacsr

Our guests today are Will and Angie...the UK duo OKA VANGA. Welcome to Originality by Design!

Oka Vanga are Angela Meyer & William Cox, an award-winning Folk & Roots duo. Whether singing, playing guitar, ukulele or mandolin, their relaxed banter and gift for storytelling makes their live performances both interesting and memorable.

Originally from Cape Town in South Africa, Angie is the creative driving force in the partnership and has been described as having “considerable vocal and songwriting talents” by fRoots. She formed Oka Vanga with husband and multi-instrumentalist, William Cox. 

They soon caught the attention of the international guitar community performing at acoustic clubs and festivals. 

In 2013 they were invited to represent the UK at the International Madame Guitar Festival in Italy alongside guitar luminaries such as Ralph Towner (USA) and Clive Carroll (UK). Shortly thereafter they released their debut album PILGRIM to critical acclaim. Described by Songlines as “beautifully pure,” it was awarded Best Instrumental Album by FATEA magazine. 

A short EP, Tales of Eyam, followed in 2015 to great reviews and critical acclaim. Described as “a beautiful E.P with great musicianship and really fine songs" by Mike Harding and "perfect folk Fayre” by Mike Ainscoe, (Bright Young Folk), it showcased Angie's hidden singing voice for the first time. 

Courtesy of YouTube

Described as a “gem bright” by RnR, it also brought Will's considerable talents as a talented multi-instrumentalist to the forefront. Despite only being an E.P, it was nominated for Best Album by a Duo by FolkWords and captured the imagination of the Folk community.


Their much anticipated second album, Dance of the Copper Trail, has been hailed as their best work yet. Released in 2017 on Crazy Bird Records, it is described by Songlines as “profound, concise and meticulous” with Angela’s lyrics “displaying a talent for conveying emotion and joy.” 

Courtesy of YouTube

Songs of faith and superstition, love and loss, death and everlasting hope are all seamlessly woven together and showcase all the manner of musical influences. Described by fRoots as “distinctly classy” and an album of “serious accomplishment and musicality,” it has secured Angie and Will a place in the hearts and minds of many fans with what RnR describe as its "up-beat feel”  and “Celtic-deep universality.”  

Will & Angie would love hearing from you!
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