Jembaa Groove

One of the top Afrofusion acts in Europe today, Jembaa Groove, comes to the Howard Assembly Room. Rich in ancestral flows from Accra, to Berlin and London, powered by deep, conga led rhythms and seductive warm horn riffs.

Jembaa Groove consist of former band members of African music legends Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Orlando Julius’ groups. Playing and recording with these stars of Highlife and Afrobeat for decades shaped their perception of sound and dynamics. With members of African and European descent and hailing from different corners of the planet they’re a melting pot of musical influences that produces a true 21st century Afrofusion sound.

“Jembaa Groove is all about positive vibes. We try to promote positivity, togetherness and respect. But also try to remind others as well as ourselves that destiny lies in our hands, and that you can’t take things for granted. If you want something, go for it, but respect the people!” – Yannick & Eric (Jembaa Groove)

Co-led by Ghanaian singer and percussion legend Eric Owusu and German bass player and producer Yannick Nolting, the Berlin based outfit has established itself as a top international touring band with a mix of tight arrangements and spontaneous improvisation infused with punching hornlines, stirring guitars, driving percussion and celestial vocals…a contemporary take on Highlife, Afrobeat, World Jazz and Global Soul.

Support band Kontiki are a well established Afrofunk/Afrojazz band whose members are based in Bradford and Leeds. To date, they have self-released three EPs/albums since 2019 – Zucchini Weather, Brother Chumbo and Mangrove Big Head – and the latter two received support and airplay across Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM, Totally Wired Radio. They have sold out/packed out Leeds venues such as Hyde Park Book Club and Hifi Club and supported a host of African music artists at Brudenell Social Club, including K.O.G and ONIPA. Pure Afrofunk fireworks, get down for 7.30pm to catch their set.

Presented by Howard Assembly Room and DJ Lubi.

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