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8-member afrobeat sensation performs a perfect mix of jazz and West-African rhythms

After the release of Gilles Peterson’s compilation album ‘We Out Here’ last year, KOKOROKO – the eight-member band from London – started turning up everywhere. Their stunning soul/jazz sound is drenched in afrobeat and roots elements. They draw on the West African tradition and are inspired by Fela Kuti, Tony Allen and Ebo Taylor. The band is known for their characteristic sound, one that intertwines the lyrical guitar of Oscar Jerome with the harmonious trumpet playing of bandleader Sheila Maurice Grey, supported by percussionist Onome Ighamre and drummer Ayo Salawu.

Their self-titled debut EP was released in March via Brownswood Recordings.

A Liveurope concert:

The first pan-European initiative supporting concert venues in their efforts to promote emerging European music.

In the press

‘Kokoroko: ik snap verder natuurlijk niks van Urhobo, maar weet wel dat die bandnaam ‘sterk zijn’ betekent. Voeg daar nu ook maar ‘feest voor de oren’ aan toe.’ **** - De Morgen over hun passage in De Roma
‘Ones to watch: KOKOROKO. The young, London-based Afrobeat band achieve a perfect blend of West African rhythms and improv on their EP’ - The Guardian
‘KOKOROKO est le son du nouveau Londres’ – Les Inrocks