Agbeko embody a heady concoction of Afrobeat, psych-rock, Ethiojazz and Protest Song. Channelled through an onslaught of horns, irresistible grooves and powerful lyrics, Agbeko's songs strive to call out corruption and embolden the collective pull towards societal change and healing in present times. They are the soundtrack for a congregation revelling upon a world teetering on the edge of collapse.
Drawing as equally from Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke as they do from Led Zeppelin and Woody Guthrie, ‘Agbeko are their own force of nature, with a message, an understanding and an consistent ability to erupt a dance floor.’ (Groovement)
Drawing as equally from Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke as they do from Led Zeppelin and Woody Guthrie, ‘Agbeko are their own force of nature, with a message, an understanding and an consistent ability to erupt a dance floor.’ (Groovement)
"Manchester's finest - and most persuasive - advert for quixotic musical adventure"
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Named Band on the Wall's 'one to watch' in 2019, Agbeko has launched into the post-lockdown world armed with a new album There Must Be Another Way, released in November 2023. This builds on the DIY-ethos demonstrated across three releases since 2017: including the independently released debut album D.O.D (2020), and was featured on BBC Radio 6, as well as international radio and blog coverage in France, Spain, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, Czechia, Australia and the USA. Agbeko are stalwarts of the UK’s much-lauded festival scene, including performances at Green Man, Wilderness, Secret Garden Party, Blue Dot, The Great Escape, Boomtown, Kelburn Garden Party, Timber Festival, Oxford Festival of the Arts and Manchester Jazz Festival.
Agbeko continue to receive outstanding reviews and coverage in UK press: from 'Jazzwise' Magazine (live review: March 2020) to 'Songlines' Magazine (introduction feature: February 2019) and the 'Guide to World of Music' ('Ones To Watch' in 2019, alongside Nubiyan Twist and Steam Down). International press includes: an exclusive feature in Vice, Italy; a 'New and Notable' listing on the Bandcamp Homepage for debut album D.O.D; and on British Airways' 'Next Big Thing' in-flight radio programme. "Step forward 12 versatile musicians with a reverance for the masters and a desire to tread their own path." |
The latest generation as proud ambassador to hometown Manchester’s rich musical heritage, Agbeko’s fearless musical spirit has seen them build a following overseas. Most recently, they headlined the Dauphine Jazz Festival (Paris), were selected as the UK representative for Milan’s Linecheck Festival & Showcase and closed Malta International Arts Festival. These are in addition to performances at Soundwave (Croatia), Meadows In The Mountains (Bulgaria), and Kulturverein Beserlpark (Austria).
"Agbeko have developed their sound to the point of distinction ...deeply danceable, lyrically poignant and importantly, identifiable." |
Download Our Technical Rider Here
For further enquiries, email us!