Konkolo Orchestra is a Zürich/Switzerland based project initiated by
multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Alexis Malefakis. With
strong jazzy afrobeat and highlife references, Konkolo Orchestra pays
homage to musical innovators such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Tony Oladipo
Allen, Ebo Taylor and many more.
This first album continues the warm, vibrant, percussive motif of the
hugely popular "Blue G." single of 2022. For those who like their music
to inspire journey and movement, this album is the equivalent of
gatecrashing a wedding party where even granny can get her groove on.
Malefakis is hardly rewriting the afrobeat textbook here, but his
production charms the listener with a confident mastery of the genre.
His compositions have a distinct personality and a tight structure, and
are peppered with a talented array of guest vocalists: Nongoma (South
Africa), Sir Frank Karikari (Ghana) and Kitio Batola (Congo); alongside
Eric Owusu (Ghana) on percussion. The uplifting lyrics and joyful
melodies are held together by a powerhouse horn section bearing all the
swinging hallmarks of a highlife fanfare.
Hard to define the standout tracks when the entire oeuvre gels together
so well as a festive fusion. Deeply funky and syncopated, Malefakis has
produced a motivational winter warmer for both feet and spirit.
Tracklist:
1. Blue G.
2. Future Pasts
3. Yese Yese
4. That Good Thing
5. Count Your Blessings
6. Cover up the Bruises
7. Le Secret
8. How We Got Here