Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu

Afrik Bawantu was formed in 2007 by Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer, Afla Sackey.

With Afrik Bawantu, Afla brings his musical dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves to life, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist.

Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with fast, animated horn sections and heavy bass lines brings a whole new definition to the Afro-Funk genre.

Afrik Bawantu released their EP ‘Noko Hewon’ in February 2013 to huge critical acclaim, and have since been nominated in the World Music Network’s charts.

Finally in 2014 their highly anticipated debut album ‘Life On The Street” shook up the new music scene with unique and original style of Afla Sackey’s compositions in addition to gifted musicians.

Currently the band is preparing their next album to be released this year.

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

Henceforth Afla came to London with Kakatsitsi Master Drummers of Ghana and has since thoroughly involved himself in the UK music scene. He graduated from the Guildhall Leadership Masters degree programme in 2012. With his wealth of music and dance experience, Afla is an inspiring educator, providing workshops and training to a diverse range of students from primary school children to elderly. Afla has been Afrobeat teacher at the Royal Academy of Music, and continues as guest lecturer and workshop facilitator in universities as far flung as Japan, Singapore and Argentina.

Alfa’s talent has been recognised by many well established musicians whom he has collaborated with and recorded as a session musician. Great artists such as Sun Ra, Ginger Baker, Seun Kuti, Sons Of Kemet, Tony Allen, Yaaba Funk, Dele Sosimi and many more.