A message of connection through collaboration… From Ghana to London, from our ancestors to our children, a prism of AFROFUTURISM refracts energy, groove, dance and fire.
Born out of deep collaboration between long-time friends Kweku of Ghana and Tom Excell (musical director of Nubiyan Twist), Onipa represent a fiery collaboration between some of the heaviest players on the UK live scene.
The 5-piece live show features KOG on vocals, balafon and percussion, Tom on guitar, percussion and electronics, Dwayne Kilvington (Wonky Logic) on synths and MPC, Joe Henwood (Nubiyan Twist) on barritone sax & electronics and Finn Booth (Nubiyan Twist) on drums.
As KOG explains, “ONIPA means ‘human’ in Akan, the ancient language of the Ashanti people of Ghana. It’s a message of connection through collaboration: from Ghana to London, our ancestors to our children, Onipa brings energy, groove, electronics, afrofuturism, dance and fire!”
Their debut album, ‘We No Be Machine’ was released in March 2020 via Strut Records. The record combines deep afro grooves, electronics and fierce energy in an effervescent celebration of cultural and musical encounters.
This release was followed in September 2021 by with ‘Tapes Of Utopia’, a new mixtape full of dancefloor fire released on Boomerang Records. The mixtape features the unmistakeable rhythms of Tony Allen on drums and a guest appearance from Sheffield hip hop artist Franz Von alongside Onipa’s very own K.O.G. – hot off his guest appearance with Nubiyan Twist on Jools Holland with their 6Music A-Listed single If I Know.
More Manchester Listings MORE
Judi Love: All About The Love
Join comedian, presenter and writer Judi Love as she returns to the stage with her brand-new stand-up show…
Daliso Chaponda: Topical Storm
Join award-winning comedian and writer Daliso Chaponda as he brings his latest stand-up show Topical Storm to The…
Sip & Paint: Africa Day Celebration
Sip & Paint: Africa Day Celebration comes to the Renold Building in Manchester for an immersive evening of…
UB40 – 2026 UK Tour
UB40 bring their 2026 UK Tour to Manchester’s AO Arena, one of the largest and most celebrated indoor…
Windrush Day 2026
Join the community in Manchester for a vibrant celebration marking Windrush Day 2026, bringing people together to honour…
Minor Black Figures: Brandon Taylor in Conversation with Simon Savidge
Minor Black Figures: Brandon Taylor in conversation with Simon Savidge comes to Blackwell’s Bookshop in Manchester for an…
Beverley Knight – Born To Perform Tour
Beverley Knight takes to the stage at the iconic O2 Apollo Manchester for an explosive night of live…
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase 2026
Join a spectacular evening celebrating Black creativity, culture and community, as the Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase returns to…