One of the most exciting large ensembles around, Agbeko have been making a glorious racket for the better part of a decade. The Mancunian collective draw on the rich lineage of Afrobeat as well as folding in elements of Ethio-jazz, protest song and UK jazz into their expansive and highly energetic sound. Led by saxophonist and composer Jamie Stockbridge and fronted by Amber Kuti and Mali Hayes, the 12-piece have built a reputation for turning festival fields and dancefloors upside down. With a strong political current running through it all, Agbeko are equally capable of stopping you in your tracks with lyrics that confront the world around us. Following their acclaimed 2023 album There Must Be Another Way, Agbeko are now gearing up for the eagerly awaited release of When the People Say later this month. We couldn’t think of a better time to have them take over our mixtape, with a superb selection of tracks that have influenced and inspired them along the way. Press play and enjoy!
- Fela Ransome-Kuti & Africa 70 – Roforofo Fight
[Jofabro / Editions Makossa] - Edzayawa – Amenahun
[EMI / Soundway] - Antibalas – Tombstown – Movement 3 Gates Of Zion
[Daptone] - Richard Dawson – The Vile Stuff
[Weird World] - Peggy Seeger – Song of Choice
[Smithsonian Folkways] - Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog – Pennsylvania 6-666
[Northern Spy / Yellowbird] - Gil Scott-Heron – Small Talk at 125th and Lenox
[Flying Dutchman] - Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas – Sack The Devils
[Strut] - Ebo Taylor – Love and Death
[Strut] - Mulatu Astatke – Kulunmanqueleshi
[Worthy Records / Strut] - Sid Goldsmith and Jimmy Aldridge – The Chemical Workers Song
[Fellside Recordings]
