WOMAD

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble

From Spain, United States

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble was started in Chicago in 2003 by Aaron Feder, their current leader, guitarist, and main composer. In 2005 he moved to Barcelona in search of a more authentic, worldly sound. That is exactly what he found, and in 2010 Alma released the album "Toubab Soul".

The current lineup includes musicians from four continents (North and South America, Europe and Africa). The members are world renowned, having played with such diverse artists as Tito Puente, Fareed Haque, Chano Domínguez, Mike Stern and Chicago Afrobeat Project (among others). Drummer and singer Kwame Adzraku even had the good fortune to collaborate with Fela Kuti himself at the Shrine in Nigeria.

The Alma is a group that really does represent an evolution in modern Afrobeat. All the original elements of funk, high-life and jazz are there, but the Alma brings in touches of Latin music, psychedelia, and most interestingly, hip-hop. While being true to the roots of Afrobeat, the AAbE brings its own style and flavor, and you can see the enjoyment on the faces of the band at their burningly powerful live shows.

2011 has been a successful year for the band. They shared the stage with Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian afro-funk legend (and long time friend of Kwame and the band) in the Imagina Funk festival in Jaén. Later, they travelled to Ibiza to play at the local festivities in Jesús. Recently, they appeared at the Mercat de Música Viva de Vic, a concert which has already resulted in many opportunities for the group in 2012. They are in the process of releasing an album of remixes called "Toubab ReSouled", featuring a collaboration with DJ Floro.
(Biography supplied by Fiesta WOMAD Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2011)

almaafrobeat.com

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