Fra Fra Sound was founded in the Bijlmer and has since performed at venues and festivals in more than sixty countries. The seven musicians — all born outside the Netherlands (Suriname, the US and Venezuela) but long-time Amsterdam residents — combine elements from Black music traditions into a sound of their own. The result is a mix of jazz, funk, kaseko, kawina, winti and African rhythms.

The name refers to the Fra Fra people of north-east Ghana, reflecting the bond between music, dance and the African diaspora. This anniversary concert marks 45 years of Fra Fra Sound, with bassist and co-founder Vincent Henar still at the helm. The band first performed on our stage in 1984 and has returned more than fifteen times since — always with that same energetic, danceable music.

Michael Simon trumpet, Felipe Castro tenor sax, Andrew Moreno guitar, Robin van Geerke piano, Vincent Henar electric bass, Carlo Hoop percussion, Urvin Robinson drums