#ayosalawu

London’s afrobeat sensation KOKOROKO shared a new song called “Carry Me Home”. This beautiful song reminds us of every positive thing from the band’s debut EP. It’s rhythmic, peaceful, harmonic, uplifting, soulful and melodic. This slow-rolling track has some brass-heavy accents which brings to mind Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa”. “Carry Me Home” is inspired by the wonderful Dele Sosimi, a Nigerian-British musician, keyboard player, and member of both Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's Egypt 80 and Femi Kuti’s Positive Force band. The track was inspired by conversations with the Dele Sosimi, whose technical ability in bridging the gap between the West African afrobeat sound of his roots, and the London energy of his upbringing, has directly informed the ever-impressive capabilities demonstrated by London’s eight-piece collective, KOKOROKO. “I remember speaking with Dele Sosimi about the structure of Fela’s songs – every element plays a part. But, before melody or harmony, there’s rhythm. The rhythmic aspect of the solos from that era is amazing. The West African approach to jazz and improvisation is hip!”, said Maurice-Grey. Carry Me Home by KOKOROKO The band’s name is an Orobo – a Nigerian tribe and language – word meaning ‘be strong’. Sonically living up to their name, KOKOROKO is an all-star band featuring leading lights from the London jazz community. Powered by seismic horn section (Maurice Grey, saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi, trombonist Richie Seivewright), guitar (Oscar Jerome), keys (Yohan Kebede), drums (Ayo Salawu) and percussion (Onome Edgeworth); Kokoroko are on a mission to fashion new languages using the medium of afrobeat. Their first release was on Brownswood Recording’s compilation "We Out Here" two years ago, and their debut EP came out in 2019 on the same record label. Kokoroko "Carry Me Home" members: Sheila Maurice-Grey - Trumpet, Vocals Cassie Kinoshi - Tenor Sax, Vocals Richie Seivwright - Trombone, Vocals Onome Edgeworth - Percussion Ayo Salawu - Drums Oscar Jerome - Guitar Tobi Adenaike-Johnson - Guitar Yohan Kebede - Keys Duane Atherley - Bass Guitar Read the full article