Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble

about

Akoya Afrobeat, New York’s own scintillating and pioneering Afrobeat scenesters have just released their second album, P.D.P. (President Dey Pass.) Fully representing the instrumentation and capacity of a true African-style super group, P.D.P. is a landmark within the living legacy of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti and his music. Active on the New York music scene since 2002, Akoya’s sound has been ruling the dance floors, at home and abroad. Fueled by infectious, all-consuming percussive grooves and a warm, pulsating rhythm section, the band delivers the knockout punch with a massive horn section and soulful vocals. All this is captured on the group’s latest release. P.D.P. is a vast musical landscape of African funk and soul. Each selection represents a slow-cooked cumulus of traditional West-African groove interwoven with the advanced harmonies, technical demands and the pure grit of the New York jazz scene. Never straying far from the roots, lead vocalist Kaleta lends his talents and experience, having recorded and performed with Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 for over a decade. The album as a whole represents years of composition and meticulous arrangement to stay true to the revolutionary music that dominated both African and American airwaves in the 70’s and 80’s. Other highlights include original cover art by Fela’s illustrious personal artist and designer Lemi Ghariokwu and an extended feature by saxophonist Cedric “Im” Brooks, the most prominent living reedman of Jamaica. Mus

top songs

albums

Introducing the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble

We Love Afrobeat!

Contemporary Afro Beat

We Love Afrobeat

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Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival

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The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival

Introducing the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble - EP

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Afro Beat Sudan Aid Project

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P.D.P. [President Dey Pass]

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Rough Guide: Afrobeat Revival

Under the Tree

ASAP: The Afrobeat Sudan Aid Project

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