The “Afrobeat” musical genre was created in Nigeria in the late 1960’s and blends traditional African rhythms with funk and jazz. Join us for an afternoon of “afrobeat awareness” as we explore this music and the legacy of Nigerian artist and political activist Fela Kuti - afrobeat’s originator and chief proponent.

SAT MAY 18th : This Way Orkestra (10 piece band) will be playing one set of Fela Kuti songs, and one set of original material! Also featuring special guest musicians on stage!

Canberra's very own enclave of Afrobeat + Ska + Reggae sounds - this 10-piece orchestra combines the mighty Afro-Funk of Nigeria's Fela Kuti with a tight brass section and jazz + ska grooves - heavy dancefloor energy at all times! From West Belconnen to West Africa and beyond, this musical collective will keep your nyash shaking!

Originally formed in 2012 by Nicholas Combe and Simon Milman - two stalwarts of the local jazz and reggae scene in Canberra - the band recorded their debut EP as "NYASH" the same year and played around the ACT. 7 years later the band has reformed with original members and some great new additions, including a frontman Jim Sharock on vocals and percussion - flexing new musical influences beyond ska and Afrobeat to include reggae, ethio-jazz, and dub.

LISTEN TO EP
POST LOCKDOWN (video)

If you would like more background information on FELA KUTI and Afrobeat in general - we recommend you watch the documentary "FINDING FELA" (2014) which we screened in April - and can be found online:

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