Onipa
Open My Eyes

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!

Born out of deep collaboration between longtime friends KOG (Kweku of Ghana of KOG and the Zongo Brigade) and Tom Excell (MD, guitarist and writer of acclaimed jazz/ soul afrobeat pioneers Nubiyan Twist), the 4 piece live show features KOG on vocals, balafon and percussion, Tom Excell on guitar, percussion and electronics, Dwayne Kilvington (Wonky Logic) on synths and MPC and Finn Booth (Nubiyan Twist) on drums.

It’s a fresh, raw, fiercely energetic new sound, fusing electronics and deep afro grooves. Think Konono no.1 meets Shangaan Electro, Songhoy Blues and Débruit….

Having played their first show to 5000 people in Australia to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, and tearing the roof off The Great Escape in Brighton for their second, the project is picking up momentum rapidly, with a single launch booked at exciting new London venue Ghost Notes, followed up by an EP tour in August/September with shows across Europe including the main dance stage at Shambala Festival and London’s iconic Jazz Café.

This release is first time collaboration between London label Wormfood and Paris-based Mawimbi, who have both been pushing their own brand of homegrown afro-electronic music, so it’s an absolutely natural partnership.