Coming together as Raz & Afla, Raz Olsher and Afla Sackey converge worlds through their dynamic fusion of electronic and traditional African rhythms, forging a path that is as bold as it is innovative. Rooted in their deep-seated passion for music and cultural exploration, they seamlessly blend their distinct musical backgrounds to create a unique sonic landscape that captivates audiences worldwide.
Raz Olsher is a visionary producer and composer known for his boundary-pushing electronic soundscapes, bringing his expertise in blending diverse musical elements to the duo. His meticulous attention to detail and penchant for experimentation form the foundation upon which Raz & Afla’s sound thrives.
Already part of the Wah Wah 45s family with his band Afrik Bawantu, Afla Sackey is an esteemed percussionist and vocalist with roots tracing back to Ghana. He infuses the duo’s music with rich traditional African rhythms and melodies. Afla’s virtuosity on percussion instruments and his soulful vocals add a visceral, organic dimension to their compositions, creating a mesmerising auditory experience that transcends cultural boundaries.
Together, Raz & Afla defy genre limitations, seamlessly weaving together electronic beats, Afrobeat grooves, and intricate percussive textures. Their music resonates with a deep sense of cultural authenticity and a forward-thinking approach that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.
Following on from their critically acclaimed full length debut The Cycle, and its subsequent remix project, their sophomore LP, Echoes Of Resistance, finds the duo remaining committed to exploring new sonic territories and creating music that speaks to the universal language of rhythm and melody. Once again, they invite listeners on a journey that celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of music to inspire and unite.
From more politically conscious cuts like the singles What’s Going On? and We Taya, and On Da Phone, which deals with addiction to social media, to dealing with more personal and social issues on songs like Eno Be Me and Ano Be Mumu, Raz & Afla’s music is something for the mind, body and spirit, as well as the feet.
There are moments of pure euphoria and unadulterated joy too though, as tracks like Mon Ni Fere, Voodoo Zeezee and Baby Moo inspire elated, tribal dance floor pleasure, and there’s still time for a little, good old fashioned loving as Shikor Shikor conjures up the raw emotions of care and affection whilst delivering a hypnotic beat and instantly irresistible vocals from Afla Sackey.
With a growing discography that includes critically acclaimed releases and collaborations with musicians from around the globe, Raz & Afla continue to carve out their place in the international music scene. Their electrifying live performances are celebrated for their energy and the profound connection they forge with audiences, making every show a vibrant celebration of musical diversity and harmony.
Reactions and Radio Play
Radio play from Craig Charles & Nick Grimshaw on BBC 6 Music, Tash LC on BBC Radio 1. Support from Kikelomo, Grant Smith, Kevin McKay, Marco Carola, Greg Gauthier, Dj Bunuel,
Måns Strömberg, Stereo Mcs, Music P, Dr. StrangeDub, Robert Luis, John Murph, Claus Mitterhuemer, Dj Roog, Cevin Fisher, Handsome Paddy, Simon Hodge, Jon Sweetname, Vinny
Da Vinci, Andy Buchan, David Bassin, Nick Gray, Mystic Bill, Simon ‘Palmskin’ Richmond, Afterlife, Tim ‘Love’ Lee, Ian Friday, Simone Vimercati, Makossa, Cal Gibson, Timo Maas, David La Fleur, Sabo, Olgierd Zbychorski, and Mickey D, The Magic Roundabout hosted by Andy Williams CKUT 90.3FM Montreal, Canada.
Airplay: Radio.es 16/10 – https://www.radio.es/podcast/pista-de-fusta
Featured by The Alternative 9 17/10 – https://www.thealternative9.com/the-alternative-9-review
Featured in the Tinnitist Long List 20/10 – https://tinnitist.com/2024/10/20/next-week-in-music-oct-21-27-the-long-list-620-releases-on-the-way/
Airplay and playlisting: CKMS Radio Canada 20/10 – https://radiowaterloo.ca/new-music-added-to-libretime-horizon-broadening-hour-49/https://soundcloud.com/mophead-1027/the-horizon-broadening-hour-49
Airplay: Kanal K Switzerland 20/10 – https://kanalk.ch/2024/10/20/20241020/
Airplay: The Face Radio Brooklyn 25/10 – https://thefaceradio.com/archives/in-the-pocket-with-g-mateus-2437/
Playlisted (new music) on KGNU 25/10 – https://kgnu.org/music-posts/best-gnu-music-releases-for-october-25-2024/
Airplay: Radio FM4 24/10 – https://fm4.orf.at/radio/stories/3044348/
Qobuz Album Of The Month https://open.qobuz.com/album/abh2xeqevcmnc
YouTube Music New Dance 2024 https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDCLAK5uy_kHqJTKgRLbBjlK0SRmaLgecTtXtyAhjvs
“I think it’s a brilliant album.” Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music)
“Really, really stunning… I love those guys!” Tash LC (BBC Radio 1)
“Love this pair. Together they are just so joyous!” Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music)
“Downloaded” Richie Hawtin (Various, UK)
“Lovely album” Vinny Da Vinci (Various, South Africa)
“Will try thanks” Paco Osuna (Various, Barcelona)
“First & last track are favorites, thanks!” DJ Mystic Bill (Various, USA)
“Whats going on hits the spot” Afterlife
“Downloading” Marco Carola (Various, Italy)
“Nice!” Dj Roog (Various, Netherlands)
“What’s Going On is a great groover!” Sticky Dojah (Human Head Radio, USA)
“Yah nice!” Andy Buchan (53 Degrees North, Distrikt)
“Nice stuff for my radio show” Timo Maas (Various, Germany)
“Excellent!” Tim ‘Love’ Lee (Tummy Touch Records, UK)
“Support!” Cevin Fisher (Various, USA)
“Every track already on HEAVY rotation for me, thanks!” Moodymanc (Various, UK)
“Lovely stuff, will play and support” DJ Harri (Various, UK)
“DOPE DOPE DOPE” Mr Shiver (Fabric, East village, Supper Club, London)
“Fun stuff” Daz I Kue (The G++dness, RBMA Radio, Nashville)
“Groovy” Kikelomo (Rinse FM / Boiler Room, UK/ Berlin)
“Tight” Tyrone Francis (Various, USA)
Energy flash, what an album! Fire, fire,fire.” Claus Mitterhuemer (BTO Spider / Radio FM4, Austria)
“Nice vibes throughout” Cottam (Various, UK)
“Nice album” DJ Makossa (Radio FM4, Vienna)
“Superb singing and beautiful rhythm” Jean-Marc Baehler (Swiss national TV, RTS Radio, Switzerland)
“Dope vibes!!! Dig this a lot!!!” Mr Bird (Various, Lisbon)
“Excellent release!” Simon Hodge (BBC 6 Music, The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, UK)
“Nice one!” Daferwa (WDR Cosmo, Cologne)
“Nice one” Stereo Mcs (Various, UK)
“Wicked!!” Jaye Ward (Various, UK)
“I love most of these tunes, so groovy!!!” Black Mighty Wax aka Cesare Cera (Nu Lounge, Gru Radio, Radio Fujiko, Ex-Forno)
“Strong Release” Ket shah (TWR, Soul On The Canal, Various, UK)
“Brillant” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Soulsender, Frankfurt)
“Ear candy!” David Montoya (Modern Soul Radio, USA)
“Quirky vibes….nice!” Cal Gibson (Banbantonton, Universal Rhythms)
“A superb released, with killer grooves, positivity and top notch production.” Dj Mr Lob (Various, Melbourne)
“Love this!” Jonny Layton (The Saturday Soulmine, Cheeky Radio, UK)
“Interesting & playable” Hippie Torrales (Cyberjamz Radio, USA)
“Nicely done” Ian Friday (Global Soul Music, USA)
“Yes. Love this. So much great African electronica emerging at the moment. Just what I’ve been looking for. Really hard to pick a favourite track.” Glyn Griffiths (Jelly Jazz club nights / Rambunctious Social Club/ Southwest UK)
“Joyous, driving music that sounds good in any setting…” Nick Gray (Various radio stations, The Alternative 9)
So many great rhythm compositions exciting!” Jay Scarlett (Various, BR Puls Munich)
“Voodoo Zeze is a lovely little roller!” Beane Noodler (Universal Rhythms, UK)
“Incredible LP!” SumSuch (Colour and Pitch, BBE, 5 Magazine, UK)
“To dance to!” Soulist (Various, Paris)
“Dope!! modern african boogie at it’s best!” (Ilya Rasskazov, Headz.FM, Russia)
“Adore all the percussion” Russell Ruckman (Turn It Loose, Code South FM, Brighton)
“Have been a fan of What’s Going On for a while and been playing it at gigs a lot! Great vibes!” Music P (Various, Ibiza)
“Very cool” Systa BB (The Good, The Dub & The Global, Triple RRR, Melbourne)
“So Nice!” Chris Udoh (Various, USA)
“Love love” Kevin McKay (Various, UK)
“Very strong album” Rado Tomek (NU Spirit Club, Bratislava, Slovakia)
“Briliant!” Eric Tchaikovsky (Night Light Radioshow)
“All the tracks of the album are excellent. Super mix between electro and afrobeat” Miss Prebo (Radio Krimi, France)
“Loving this!” Susan Schwartz (Platinum Rye Entertainment, NYC)
“Loving This!” Rap Saunders (Various, UK)
“Saved the best til last.” Gareth Davies (Kontor Publishing, Germany)
“Nice ones” Tjerk Coers (Various/ Armada Music, Netherlands)
“Excellent, will play. Thanks” Handsome Paddy (RTE, Ireland)
“Nice EP” Mirko Paoloni (Various, Italy)
“A great collection” Keith Martin (Pride Radio, UK)
“Very nice, I love it!” Terry Washizu (Various, Tokyo)
“That’s Afro Vibe. Nice Mixture” Etienne Deveche (Radio Campus Angers, France)
“A breath off fresh air, the afrobeats combined with electronic beats makes for a joyful album” John Varnham (Jazz Funk Soul, UK)
“Super high energy!” David Bassin (FreeFall, KXSF San Francisco)
“Quality album all the way!!!” Markus Milz (“Further In Fusion” Radio Corax 95.9FM Germany)
“Great stuff!” Simon666 (Cafe Lounge, Sydney)
“Great album, lots of good tracks” Greg Gauthier (Dance Culture /cheers/djoon/ Handzon Radio, France)
“This stuff is really rocking my world!” DJ T Bird (Various, USA)
“Will support! Voodoo Zeze!” I Love Vinyl (NYC)
“Love this track “Ano be Mumu” Sebastiano Urciuoli/ Robotalco (Various, Italy)
“This will get you dancing… if you’re alive at all! Impressive percussion and great harmonies!” Dr. StrangeDub (KFAI-FM, Minneapolis, USA)
“Strong release from Wah Wah 45” Steve Aspey (Pure Rhythm Radio, UK)
“Feeling this..” Simon ‘Palmskin’ Richmond (Various, UK)
“Massive! on air!” Olgierd Zbychorski (WNET 87.8 Warsaw)
“A solid album with some serious tracks on here.” Chris Rockall (ASMR Radio)
“A great set!” Chris Greenwood (Various, UK)
“Great album.” Dj Bunuel / Måns Strömberg (Radio Helsinki Radio YLE 1, various venues, Finland)
“All in all a nice album! – full support -” Sven Thomschke (Radio Z 95.8 Nuernberg, Germany)
“Cracking” Shaun Blezard (Space Is The Place, Cando FM)
“Great – will play” DJ Lamp (Coalition, The Hub, Radio Reverb, Coastway Radio, Brighton)
“Electronica meets Africa, amazing work! Full support, thank you” Enrique Domenech (Freeforms Podcasts, Spain)
“Nice stuff” Maria Curcic (Radio 1045, Canada)
“Great combination of sounds and styles.” (Balearic Mike, Brighton)
“Nice” Rob Wood (Various, Sydney)
“Great release” Nick Davies (The Boogie Wonderland Show, Radio Winchcombe, Gloucester)
“Beautiful album with this rich fusion music.” Jon Sweetname (Various, Barcelona)
“Rhythmical vibes” (Mi-Soul, Brighton)
“Excellent drums and feel all over” Damian Charles (Point Blank Radio, UK)
“Nice one!” DJ Junior (Eavesdrop Radio WKDU 91.7FM, Philly)
“I have been rocking a few of these singles already – looking forward to digging into the full album. These cats are on my list of top discoveries of 2024…” Grant Smith (The Face Radio, USA)
“Cool tracks!” Jason Deckstatic (No.8, XL, Space Ibiza NYC, 1 Oak Southampton, London)
“Pure Fire, across the whole album, so many highlights!” DJ Mr Lob (Various, Melbourne)
“Driving and fast paced dance treat. Excellent” John Warr (Radio Reverb Brighton, TotallyRadio.com)
“Excellent LP” Simone Vimercati (Jazz It Up)
“Packed full of goodness…been waiting very patiently on his one.” Martin Valentine (Various, UK)
“Will definitely be playing some of this” Olly Love (Various, UK)
“Complex, sweet, funky, hooky — what’s not to love?” Rick Anderson (CD HotList: New Releases for Libraries)
“Excellent. Firing on all cylinders!” DJ Nigel Wood (Various, UK)
“Nice track thanks” Timos Koklas (Reverb Nation, Greece)
“Love it. Last album was awesome and this one picks right up where the first left off.” Tim Aldous (Burnt Toast, Totally Wired Radio UK)
“Epic vibes” Robert Monk/ DJ Somatik (Various, Syndey)
“Really enjoyed this.” Steve KIW (1BTN Radio, BAOL, Brighton)
“Big love keep em coming!” Simon Kurrage (Various, UK)
“Utterly infectious blend of afro and electro throughout this set is totally irresistible.” DJ Drummie Dave (Various, UK)
