Help Akoya Put Out a New LP!

 
Of all the afrobeat I've ever heard, live or recorded, Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble ranks as some of the very best (and coming from me, that means a lot, if I do say so myself).  They're currently raising money via kickstarter for their new album, which if they raise the requisite funds, they'll press on vinyl!!!  I can't put into words how excited I am at the prospect of owning a new Akoya record.  These guys are some of the best musicians in the world carrying the afrobeat flag today.  Not only do they call themselves an afrobeat band, they're the real thing.  They play the music the way it's intended to be played.  If I had enough money, I would give them all the money for which they're asking and fund the record myself.  Unfortunately, I have very little money and have no prospect of making any in my near future.  Don't feel bad for me, just give Akoya some support.  Help make the world a funkier place.

The Nazarenes to Drop Meditation Next Week

The Nazarenes are a reggae band out of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Their new album, Meditation, set to be released April 24, 2012 on I Grade Records, is a spiritual journey into the beliefs of two Rastafarian brothers born and raised in the Rasta holyland.  Noah and Medhane Tewolde make up the Nazarenes, and they tell the story of how reggae connects disparate worlds, from the Caribbean to Africa to Europe (where the brothers now live) and beyond.  If you're a hardcore reggae fan, this album is a must-have.  Preview the title track below, and cop the album when it drops next week.

New Album from Maga Bo

Quilombo do Futuro, the new album from Maga Bo out May 22, 2012 on Post World Industries, is one of the most inventive, unique sounding albums I've heard in a while.  Dig the video for No Balanço da Canoa below, and if you dig the sound, cop the mp3 at your leisure. 

KonKoma to Release Debut Album on Soundway

KonKoma, a hot new afro-funk band based in London, are set to release their debut album June 25, 2012 on Soundway Records.  If you happen to live across the pond and are free June 1st, they'll be performing live on a ridiculously nasty bill with Pax Nicholas, The FOKN Bois, and Yaaba Funk at Rich Mix.  To get a taste of what they're all about, dig their teaser video below.

 

Flavour - Tuesday Nights @ Bamboo

Looking for some extra afro-flavour?  If you're in or around the E. Village, check out the new Tuesday Night jam at Bamboo, Flavour.  Live afropop will be performed by Makane Kouyate's Denbaya.  Afrobeat, salsa, tropical disco and other danceable jams will be doled out by dj's Bryant K and No Comprendo in abundance.
 

We Will Never Stop - Music is the Weapon

 
Afrobeat will never stop.  That message is sent loud and clear from Music is a Weapon, an afro-collective out of Stockholm, Sweden.  Dig their video for their latest single, We Will Never Stop.

Elikeh Needs Your Help!

 
Elikeh, an afro-funk ensemble based out of Washington D.C. that fuses Togolese traditional rhythms and melodies with afrobeat, reggae, and rock sounds, is raising money via kickstarter to distribute their next album, Between 2 Worlds, featuring Vieux Farka Toure.  I reviewed Elikeh's last album, Adje! Adje! and was totally blown away by the ingenuity of their sound.  I'm excited to hear what these guys have in store for their next release.  Donate what you can and help these artists' spread their message to the world.