Kokoroko
During the winter days we leave the cold behind and keep ourselves warm with African rhythms — we listen to music by Kokoroko. The eight performers from London with a charming female brass section.
Today we have new afrobeat music, inspired by big names from Western Africa, and of course, Fela Kuti; music, presented by young Londoners, led by Sheila Maurice-Grey on the trumpet.
The star of Kokoroko rose suddenly with the release of We Out Here, where the London DJ and producer Gilles Peterson decided to compile new music with a focus on Africa (Brownswood Recordings 2018); an album featuring young jazz musicians from London, including the saxophone wonder Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings. We Out Here comes to an end with the single Abusey Junction. From then until today - just for this one year the single has gained over 34 Million times on YouTube. This year Kokoroko came out with their first 24 minute EP. But a couple of years before, the musicians were playing in different jazz formations.
Almost all of the musicians in Kokoroko come from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora of London. Some of the members are graduates of Trinity College. The spirit of Africa with a lot of respect for the past is present in Kokoroko’s music. It’s lyrical, rhythmic, and great to dance to. The atmosphere in the group deserves special attention. The energy that flows between then during a concert. It does not matter if they play at the smaller Sofar Sounds or at Jazz in Marciac - the general thought and the immersion in the music comes first. Incredibly authentic, new, and at the same time with a deep, full sound. They don’t play — they live the music.
We will surely be talking about Kokoroko more. Today we are enjoying their warm and deep music with three examples — one from Sofar Sounds, one from the basement of Brownswood Recordings, and one from the big stage at Marciac.
Kokoroko "Adwa" @Jazz_in_Marciac 2019
December 2019
Photo©МА
