From 1985 to 1994, Futu Futu was one of upstate New York's top drawing bands, consistently packing venues to capacity, with their infectious World Beat dance grooves. During this period, they released 2 albums - the self titled "Futu Futu" (vinyl) in 1987, produced by bass/stick master, Tony Levin, and "Yes Yes" (cd/cassette) in 1992, produced by the legendary John Simon.
John Pareles of the New York Times made the following statement about their Woodstock '94 performance: "Futu Futu stood out. It's a dance band that knows its syncopations; it merges funk, via James Brown and War, with intricate African and Caribbean rhythms, finding multiple levels of melody."
After a 14 year break, they have re-emerged, with original members Joakim Lartey, Chris Lané, Ted Orr, and Peter Buettner, and are joined by Mike Coletti on bass, and Joakim's son, Jamiles Lartey on drums.