Richmond Kessie - Vocals, percussion n DJ Chief Commander Yaaba.
Paul Brett - Analogue bass, percussion n DJ Commander P.
Clive Wales - Congas, percussion n DJ the outlaw Clives Wales.
Tobias Stürmer - Guitar, percussion n backing vocals.
Christian Arcucci - guitar
Trevor Antonio Kentish - Percussion.
Helen McDonald - Vocals n percussion.
Lou Cicotelli - Drums.
Adrian Northover - alto sax
Sue Lynch - tenor sax
Michael Riga - tenor sax
previous guests Voice and percussion -Nana Tsiboe, guitar - Alfred Bannerman, trumpet - Robin Hopcraft; tenor sax - Idris Rahman, baritone and soprano sax - Sarha Moore.
USA HERE WE COME!!!! BIG IN ARIZONA. YOU GET ME!!!!
"Yaaba Funks desire to marry the sounds of urban London with African beats has resulted in a rich, multi-cultural jam."
Niki D’Andrea. Phoenix New Times (Arizona)
Influences
Koo Nimo, CK Mann, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Miriam Makeba, Miles Davis, Alex Konadu, Nana Tsiboe, ET Mensah, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Ramblers, P-Funk, Billie Holiday, Hugh Masekala, Thomas Mapfumo, James Brown, King Sunny Ade, The Meters, Lee Scratch Perry, Nina Simone, Bob Marley, Mulatu Astatke, SK Ampadu and the African Brothers band, Dj Gregory, Joe Mensah, Segun Bucknor, Sly and the Family Stone, Osibisa, Antibalas, Jimi Hendrix...
This is a quote from Elvin Jones: "Thad told me this many years ago and it got to me when he said it. He probably doesn't even remember saying it to me. He just said, 'Whenever you play, imagine that it's the very last chance or opportunity you'll ever have.' So just that thought is enough incentive to at least not be wishy-washy or do something insignificant. At least it will bring out whatever honesty is in you to be applied to your instrument at that time. That's the only philosophy I know -- just to do the very best you can at all times.
TICKETS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!!!!
Hi all. If you want to party with the Yaaba this New Year's Eve you have two options (see flyers below!!) First off we will be in Brixton at THE REST IS NOISE hosted by Sambalanco and also with the heavyweight SoulJazz sound system. We will be on early - about 10pm. To book tickets follow this link:
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=362214
Then we are going to dash over to the NEW EMPOWERING CHURCH in Westgate st Hackney (see second flyer below). Advanced tickets are available from sounds of the Universe record shop in Soho or by emailing khwaja@theempoweringchurch.com
SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!
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From the streets of South London comes this eleven-piece band that have been honing their sound over the last two years, whilst rocking (notoriously hard to please..) audiences all over London.
Yaaba Funk, a product of Brixton, play a mix of classic 70’s Ghanaian Hi-Life and hard-hitting funk, cut with a strong dose of ‘Afro-broken-beat’ and more than a hint of Dub. Band members have studied African, Brazilian and Cuban music, and it shows in their strongly rhythmic sound.
Two infectiously energised vocalists, a horn section and the tightest rhythm section this side of Accra are underpinned by analogue bass and African guitar, creating a 21st century urban Afro sound, that is at home on festival stages and club venues. Their live shows are renowned for raw energy, great musicianship and a visually arresting style.
Yaaba Funk is a truly exhilarating experience, which is guaranteed to leave exhausted audiences in their wake.
Since forming the Yaaba Funk have appeared at the Barbican as part of African musician's tribute to James Brown, Russ Jones's Future World Funk, Afrogroov's Components in Brixton, Shambala Festival where they warmed up for Horace Andy. The band also appeared on the African Village stage at Rise festival alongside Bassekou kouyatte and Emmanuel Jal, Stokefest and I love Peckham festival where they performed alongside Mark de Clive-Lowe and Wunmi.
The band have also performed live on African Essence radio show (hosted by Debbie Golt) and Radio London's 'A world in London' (hosted by Dj Ritu)
'Nyash! e go bite you' the band's debut ep, only available at their gigs has sold out and their much anticipated debut album 'Afrobeast' (working title) is soon to be released.
Fat remixes from Olatunde and DJ D are also imminent.
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"Heavy Afro grooves with crisp, tight drumming, intricate cross rhythms, wah wah guitar, punchy horns and very effective vocal chants were the order of the day.... This was a well honed performance from this Hi Life Afro beat funk band entrenched in the thick of it and implacable.... Brixton has another top flight band added to it’s rostrum..... Go see this band live! I guarantee you’ll find it hard to keep your feet still!"
Emrys Baird. Blues and Soul magazine.
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)
GREETINGS BROTHAS & SISTAS! Hope you are doing very very well! Just stoppen by to give you a shout out! and show some love to the Yaaba! Keep it funky! Look forward to speaking with you soon!
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