Tag Archives: AFRI-KOKOA

Watch video of full performance by The Kondi Band here

On  23rd May 2016 Afri-kokoa  exclusively presented the debut live performance by one of the very best contemporary new african acts, The Kondi Band. You can watch the full performance by the amazing  blind thumb piano player and singer Sorie Kondi from Sierra Leone with Rio-based New York producer Chief Boima.

Watch The Kondi Band full performance here

 #afrikokoa

PAT THOMAS & KWASHIBU AREA BAND, 2nd Oct, 2015 @Rich Mix, London

Celebrating 10 years of AFR-KOKOA we are proud to present the exclusive live Album launch for the legendary King of Highlife, PAT THOMAS, ‘The original Golden Voice of Africa’, performing with his group of stellar musicians direct from Ghana, The KWASHIBU AREA BAND. Also just added exciting young hip-hop artist and activist Octopizzo.
AFRI-KOKOA DJS AJ Kwame and Baggy and Special Guests in attendance.

Date: 2nd October doors 8pm
Venue: Rich Mix London,
35-47 Bethnal Green Road
Shoreditch
E1 6LA


I’m an afrobeat drummer but Pat Thomas is highlife. That is what he does so wellTony Allen
Background
In the early 70’s Pat Thomas came to Accra to join a band known as the Blue Monks under the leadership of Ebo Taylor. This was the resident band of Tip Toe Nite Club. During one of his shows, one lady fell in love with his voice and signed him up to go to Ivory Coast to form a group called The Satellites. He later came to Ghana to form the Sweat Beans Band which became the band of choice during the Kutu Acheampong Era.

Pat was crowned Mr. Golden Voice of Africa in 1978 and won the ECRAC award of the year at the same time. In 1991 he also won the Album of the year with his Sika Ye Mogya.

The new album is out now on STRUT records features the dazzling talents of some of the very best and the most pioneering musicians of Africa, Tony Allen and Ebo Taylor.

 

‘Vaudou Game’ photo gallery

On 27th September@RICH MIX London AFRI-KOKOA presented the album launch party for ‘Apiafo’, the new vaudou inspired Afro-funk album by ‘VAUDOU GAME‘. This hot event was part of the LONDON AFRICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014.
Check out the photos below (Copyright Gavin Durrant) and leave a comment if you were there.

A-Z of African Dance styles – we want to see you move it move it!

We love this A-Z of African dance produced by the first urban dance centre in Senegal – “The Dance Hall” – in association with Kirs&Bell production. Shows how hugely creative dance is in Africa. You can bet Beyonce & co are being “influenced” by these styles as I write..!
More info: www.thedancehall.sn

Soundtrack is big Nigerian hit Skelewu” instrumental by Davido. 

VAUDOU GAME album launch

AFRI-KOKOA exclusively presents live the super hot and in demand Togolese Afro-Funk Group ‘VAUDOU GAME’ with their amazing infectious funky psychedelic debut album ‘Apiafo’ on Hot Casa Records released on the 27th September at this very event. Their music is the rawest afro-funk similar to the famous 70s west African bands L’Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou and El Rego.

Part of the LONDON AFRICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

@ RICHMIX
35-47 Bethanel Green Road
Shoreditch, London
E1 6LA
27th September
8pm to 1am

Tickets: £8 in advance and £10 on the door available from Eventbrite or Box office: www.richmix.org.uk

 

‘VAUDOU GAME’ are headed by Peter Solo, singer and composer, born in Aneho-Glidji, Togo the birthplace of the Voodoo Culture. Funk, is the skeletal structure of this debut album and provided the opportunity for Peter to invite his uncle, Roger Damawuzan– the famous pioneer of the 70s Soul scene – on two tracks. Their collaboration on the stone cold classic “Pas Contente” is a highlight on this 100% analogue album as Apiafo was entirely recorded, mixed and mastered with old tapes and vintage instruments.

They strive for authenticity; the analogue sound and vintage looks don’t mean that Vaudou Game is searching for the past. This is Togolese funk, born in the post-colonial era that never before explored its ancient roots so deeply and proudly. Performing live with all the vintage equipment, simply a jaw dropping debut of the highest order!

Check ‘VAUDOU GAME’ on You Tube or SoundCloud