The World's Music at Oxford: Agbeko

Agbeko were born out of admiration for the enduring music of 1970s West Africa and have spent the past three years honing a singular, contemporary sound built upon its teachings. An onslaught of horns, guitars, percussion and gutsy vocals, the eleven-strong outfit deliver powerful songs packed with riffs, groove and lyrical prowess to move gig-goers, festival throngs and afro-funk afficionados alike.

Their combined political awareness and uncompromising musical commitment enables the group of Manchester-based twenty-somethings to draw from Afrobeat, psychedelic rock, funk and raucous-leaning jazz without missing the vital nuance and defiant tone that gives each its clout and power to resonate. They view our times through the lens of Generation Z, the forty-eight and the ninety-nine percent, speaking out against irresponsible leadership and humanitarian crises through their music, while promoting fairness and acceptance — just as the musicians who inspire them have.

Theirs is music with a message, but it is also some of the most danceable and energising that you’re likely to hear from any modern-day big band. In 2018 Stutter & Twitch records’ admiration for the group saw them press their double A-side Leaders of the Free World/Submit on 7” wax before a self-release of ethio-prog brooder The Remedy to accompany their debut UK tour in February 2019. Named one of Band on the Wall’s ‘ones to watch in 2019’ and with a growing arsenal of tunes, and radioplay, Agbeko are fast gaining a reputation for inducing anthemic singalongs and mass dance-offs to stages throughout Europe and beyond.

The event will be streamed live on YouTube and is free and open to all.

Find out more about the event here or on the World’s Music at Oxford website.

The World's Music at Oxford is generously supported by St John's College.