AFLA SACKEY & AFRIK BAWANTU / DESTINATION

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the debut LP on the label from Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. With his band Afrik Bawantu, he has fulfilled the dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist! Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with brisk, animated horn sections and heavy bass-lines bring a fresh perspective to the Afrobeat genre.

Destination provides a much needed moment of positivity in these turbulent times, as Afla himself explains:

“With focus, determination, hard work, patience, ambition and dignity – even though the journey Is long and tough, with these qualities, we will arrive at our destination successfully!”

The album is full to the brim with such life affirming messages, such as in the track Togetherness, encouraging us to put aside our differences and unite as one…

“We have to start looking beyond colour, race, gender and religion to work together with love and unity to create peace and heal the world for the next generation to come.”

As well as the celebratory Shake Your Booty, which encourages listeners to come together and party like there is no tomorrow.

“Forget about your stress, your worries and have a great time. Feel free, engage with everyone and dance till you drop as life is too short. So have fun while you can.”

The first single to be released from the album, It’s Not Easy, which concerns itself not only with the trials and tribulations of life but also how we learn by living the day-to-day, also talks about a theme that runs throughout the album – the idea of travelling the globe to broaden our horizons and help us understand how other people live their lives.

The follow up single, Mofeemo Ke Eno, talks about jealousy, but again from a positive viewpoint, as Afla explains:

“Every human being came to this world with their different destinies. So never want to be someone else, as their destiny is different from yours and never get jealous about someone’s progress as tomorrow will be your turn.”

Similarly, Mind Your Business talks about just that – staying in your lane and concentrating on your own concerns and ambitions, and Be Careful stresses that every action has a reaction….

“With the action you take in life, as most times, the repercussions will not affect you only but your loved ones as well.”

Finally, Sane Ye (There Is Trouble) looks at the bigger picture of wars and global crises, yet once again Afla brings these issues back to the self…

“We have to look at ourselves and find out where we have gone wrong to be able to fix these issues affecting us as humans.”

Afrik Bawantu released their debut EP, Noko Hewon, back in 2013 to much critical acclaim, and went on to be nominated in the World Music Network’s charts. In 2014 they released their debut LP, Life On The Street, which showcased the original style of Afla’s compositions, as well as his group of gifted musicians.

Afla himself was born in Ghana and started his creative life as a dancer with the country’s famous Bukom Ensemble, known for their infectious folk-driven rhythms. His elders soon soon recognised the musical potential of young Afla and encouraged him with careful guidance and training. This provided the foundations upon which Sackey has developed his career in music and dance.

Upon moving to London, which was made possible by the Kakasitsi Master Drummers Of Ghana, Afla undertook a masters degree at Guildhall college, from which he graduated in 2012. With his wealth of experience in music and dance, Afla went on to become an inspiring educator, providing workshops and training to a diverse range of students from primary schools to universities. He has taught Afrobeat and Afro Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music where he still often appears as a guest lecturer, as well as acting as a workshop facilitator in places as far flung as Japan, Singapore and Argentina.

Afla is a great collaborator, and has worked with legendary artists such as the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ginger Baker and Tony Allen, as well as his contemporary projects with Ibibio Sound Machine, Sons Of Kemet, Dele Sosimi, The Estuary 21, Eparapo and his most recent Afro-electronic project with producer Raz Olsher – Raz & Afla.

Artwork by Tokio Aoyama Sleeve design by Jake Holloway

Reactions & Radio Play

Radio play from Jazz Supernova (BBC 6 Music), Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music), DJ Ritu (Resonance FM), Debbie Golt (Resonance FM), John Warr (Afrobase, Totally Radio), The Pressure Drop Show (USA), Nigel Wood (Dublin City 103.2FM, Ireland), Sven Thomschke (‘Limbo Rhythm’ radio show, Radio Z 95.8, Nuremberg), Laurent Garnier (PBB Radio), Karl Phillips (Random Jukebox, Source FM, UK), Benjamin Tollet (Radio Mukambo, France)

Featured in Songlines November 2020 Issue: “This is a gloriously upbeat set in which his own Ghanian rhythms and influences are fused with Fela’s Nigerian Afrobeat, along with a hefty dose of funk and a dash of reggae.” ★★★★★ (Robin Deneslow)

Qobuz New Releases Playlist: open.qobuz.com/playlist/2049430

Qobus New in World Playlist: open.qobuz.com/playlist/2079772

Featured in the Groovin Mood blog: https://groovinmood.com.br/2024/07/10/radar-african-beats-70/

“Vibrant, uplifting Afrobeat and highlife from the master of percussion!” Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music)

“Delightful and brilliant and a pleasure to hear.” Debbie Golt (Resonance FM UK)

“Fab!” DJ Ritu (Resonance FM, UK)

“Wow, what a fantastic album! – Full support.” Sven Thomschke (Radio z 95.8FM, Germany)

“Head nodding, shoulder shaking, foot stomping stuff!” DJ Breakplus. (Various, UK)

“Complete album full of amazing music from the bottom of the soul of African music. All are my favourites, great vibes.” Amar Kabouche (Fauve radio, Hong Kong)

“Like it a lot!” Tobi Kirsch (Faze/HHV, Germany)

“Wonderful Afro jazz music” DJ Osric (RTRFM, Perth, Western Australia)

“Amazing!” DJ Kobayashi (Soho Radio / B-side Sessions / Batov Records, UK)

“Infectious positivity. Spread, spread!” Rene Josquin (Format Analog, Berlin, Germany)

“Yess! Excellent.” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Germany)