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.
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