DELE SOSIMI – AFROBEAT
(NIGERIA/UK)
Dele Sosimi keys/lead vocals, Tamar Osborn baritone saxophone, Graeme Flowers trumpet, Justin Thurgur trombone/backing vocals, Phil Dawson guitar, Suman Joshi, Femi Elias bass, Kunle Olofinjana drums/backing vocals
Afrobeat guru Dele Sosimi earned his status from his accomplishments as keyboard player and musical director with the legendary Fela Kuti. ‘Afrobeat will never die so long as Dele’s around’ (Songlines).
Afrobeat is resurging thanks to contemporary club DJs stirring up the dance floor with the energetic mix of funk, African hi-life and jazz horns. Dele Sosimi is a leading figure within the movement that originated in Nigeria. He was the keyboardist and musical director in the bands of Afrobeat founder Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and his son Femi; from 1979 to 1986 in Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 and from 1986 to 1994 in Femi Kuti’s Positive Force. He also played with Tony Allen, the king of Afrobeat drums.
In 1995, Dele Sosimi moved to London, where he shares his knowledge of Afrobeat with countless musicians and students. He founded his own band, incorporating the piano into the music. He collaborated with, among others, Joe Zawinul, and his tracks are remixed by famous DJs such as Âme & Dixon.
‘The most fluent Afrobeat you’re going to hear today’ (Straight No Chaser).
The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 till 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).