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 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 De?bruit ...

Fresh out of the box but already with major shows under their belts including Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Shambala festivals (UK), Eurosonic (NL) and more than 30 shows across Europe in summer 2019.

Their first album ‘We No Be Machine’ will be released on Strut Records in March 2020.