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With a furious storm of thundering congas and the deep boom of the KALETA
drum, the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble takes to the stage an explosion of dance rhythms. Fusing a mixture of African, Afro-Cuban,
Jazz, and Funk music, Akoya is New York’s finest example of a musical melting pot. Featuring members from Panama, Ghana,
Benin, South Africa, Japan and the US, this 13-piece ensemble embraces unity and positive vibrations. Armed with original
music and an arsenal of songs by Afrobeat founder, Fela Kuti, Akoya consistently brings a new level of dance floor frenzy
with every performance. The group features lead vocalist Kaleta, who for 10 years performed and recorded with the immortal
Fela Kuti and Egypt 80. He has also toured with Femi Kuti as well as the legendary King Sunny Ade. His vocals, sung in Yoruba,
Pidgin English and various Benin dialects, fused with driving horn lines and a precision-tight rhythm section, bring a sound
so infectious one can't help but dance. Their debut CD "Introducing The Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble"
has been very well received, as it has been getting regular airplay on radio stations in South Africa, Nigeria, Benin, France,
London and Panama, as well as New York's WKCR, WBLS, WBAI, and WFMU.
"They're the real deal in every respect, from
the fact that lead singer Kaleta was once a sideman of Fela's to their multiracial lineup and occasional breaking of the rules...
a must for Afrobeat lovers" –World Music Central
"Excellent debut effort!" –The Village Voice
"Akoya
is a breath of fresh air for lovers of the funky Afro-Jazz music pioneered and made famous by the late great Fela Kuti…In
Akoya’s debut CD, Afrobeat’s cross-cultural rhythm materials are as intense as rhythmic energies fused with modern
jazz tonality and musicality. This is a great album that everyone will truly enjoy. "
– Lawrence Nii Nartey, The
African Show, WKCR 89.9FM NYC
Akoya has played some of New York’s most popular music
venues including The Bowery Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, Makor, Tonic, Tribeca Rock Club, The Lion's Den,
The Supper Club, CBGB, Tobacco Road and many others. Come and take a West African trip with Akoya and bring your dancing shoes.
Akoya is available for regional, national, and international tours. Please visit our website www.akoyamusic.com for details and upcoming dates
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