Coming from the cultural melting pot of Washington D.C. and led by Togolese singer/guitarist Massama Dogo, Elikeh is down right dirty. I could go on a multi-page breakdown about the sophisticated rhythmic and musical elements and various influences provided by the band’s members, but I won’t. All you need to know is that their recently released second album, titled Adje! Adje!, is the epitome of Afropop with politically-driven lyrics, blaring horns, super funky guitars, and a rhythm section that will have you starting a dance party while you ride the subway to work. While Dogo provides a flawless Afropop “foundation” to the album, former Femi Kuti drummer Tosin Aribisala and the distorted shredding of guitarist John Lee take the music to another level. My favorite dance track on the album is “Oleblemi,” but the album also offers chill out, vibey head-nodding tunes as well. Watch the above video for a taste of Elikeh’s live show, and then get their album Adje! Adje! at www.elikeh.com.
Washington D.C. based Elikeh drops new Afropop album Adje! Adje!
Coming from the cultural melting pot of Washington D.C. and led by Togolese singer/guitarist Massama Dogo, Elikeh is down right dirty. I could go on a multi-page breakdown about the sophisticated rhythmic and musical elements and various influences provided by the band’s members, but I won’t. All you need to know is that their recently released second album, titled Adje! Adje!, is the epitome of Afropop with politically-driven lyrics, blaring horns, super funky guitars, and a rhythm section that will have you starting a dance party while you ride the subway to work. While Dogo provides a flawless Afropop “foundation” to the album, former Femi Kuti drummer Tosin Aribisala and the distorted shredding of guitarist John Lee take the music to another level. My favorite dance track on the album is “Oleblemi,” but the album also offers chill out, vibey head-nodding tunes as well. Watch the above video for a taste of Elikeh’s live show, and then get their album Adje! Adje! at www.elikeh.com.
Listen to a track off the album here:
“Oleblemi” by Elikeh