Blog May 15, 2012
Spotlight: KonKoma's 70's Afro-Funk Excellence
The always reliable Soundway Records is prepping the debut release of London-based afro-funk outfit KonKoma. The group was originally conceived by saxophonist Max Grunhard and producer Ben Lamdin who wanted to form a group around a pair of highly-respected and well-known Ghanaian musicians -- Alfred Bannerman and Emmanuel Rentzos. Both have been working musicians for a long time having worked with the likes of Bobby Womack and Hugh Masakela, as well as regularly playing with long-time afro-rock band Osibisa.
Previews of the new album showcase a firm nostalgia for a classic 70's West African sound that isn't afraid to update the music with modern stylings. The band also is not afraid to go beyond that sound and incorporate acoustic guitars and kora for a rich offering. As expected, the musicians sound at the top of their game throughout and the band is extremely tight.
Watch a video preview about the album below and sample clips from the full-length.
The self-titled album will be out June 25th via Soundway.