Ibibio Sound Machine
In its beat-heavy mix of African rhythms and electrofunk, the band's sound is as much inspired by the golden era of West African funk and disco as it is by modern post-punk and electro.
Ibibio Sound Machine was formed in London by the three music producers Max Grunhard, Leon Brichard and Benji Bouton around the singer Eno Williams.
In its beat-heavy mix of African rhythms and electrofunk, the band’s sound is as much inspired by the golden era of West African funk and disco as it is by modern post-punk and electro.
In 2014, the self-titled and critically acclaimed debut was released. This year, the fifth album Pull the rope was released on Merge records.
The name Ibibio Sound Machine is influenced by Eno Williams’ Nigerian mother whose mother tongue is Ibibio. Eno Williams was born in London but spent most of her childhood in Nigeria with her family. Her lyrics are inspired by the folk and children’s stories her mother told her as a child.
”Hopping around the globe, we’ve found that people are fundamentally the same—they’re people. Opposing sides push and pull, but there is an alternative to war, violence, and suffering.”
Now this raw-swinging, joyous, sensual Afro-funk band is coming to the Stockholm Jazz Festival. Get ready for a dance party in Slaktkyrkan.
Promoter: Stockholm Jazz Festival
Lineup:
Eno Williams - vocals,
Max Grunhard - saxophone, synth,
Tony Hayden - trombone, synth,
Alfred Bannerman - guitar, kologo,
Scott Baylis - trumpet, keyboards,
Afla Sackey - percussion,
PK Ambrose - bass,
Joseph Amoako - drums