When afrobeat and dancehall meet Malian guitar.
Onipa means ‘human’ in Akan, the ancient language of the Ashanti people of Ghana.
It’s a message of connection through collaboration: from Ghana to London, our
ancestors to our children, Onipa brings energy, groove, electronics, afrofuturism,
dance and fire!
Born out of deep collaboration between long time friends KOG (Kweku of Ghana
of KOG and the Zongo Brigade) and Tom Excell (MD, guitarist and writer of
acclaimed jazz/ soul afrobeat pioneers Nubiyan Twist), Onipa co-released in September 2018 their first EP via UK afro jazz pioneers Wormfood and French afro-electronic specialists Mawimbi.
Onipa’s new single”My Way” makes dance Mali, Ghana and Jamaica together. In the words of producer Tom Excell: “This track started life as a vocal chant, then guitars doubled the vocal line to create a heavy, riff based, trance-like, hypnotic, repetitious feel. From there we formed the groove, a mix between dancehall and afrobeat rhythms, giving the framework for raga vocals, floaty electronics and Malian guitar interspersions. Mali meets Ghana, meets Jamaica. To me it represents the importance of being yourself and following what you believe in no matter that circumstances.”
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