Music / Afriquoi
Review: Afriquoi, The Fleece
A set of samba drums was placed in the centre of the dancefloor and the lights dropped low – Afriquoi are renowned for their dancefloor-friendly world music and I already expected an intimate and energetic evening from these musical legends.
To warm up proceedings on this rather chilly Thursday evening, Bristol-based Ilu Axé (pronounced Eloo Ashay), one of Europe’s top samba-reggae dance groups, took to the floor. Filling the room with funk, even the awkward drink-sippers were soon stomping their feet, captivated by the dynamic percussion.
Musical instruments were passed into the crowd and chants echoed around the room in time with the drums. I was impressed with the band members’ energy – that drumming and dancing looked tiring.
is needed now More than ever
Main act Afriquoi arrived fashionably late, giving us time to grab another drink in between sets. The lighting faded into shades of red, yellow and green and “AFRIQUOIIII!” boomed around the room as the band members announced their arrival.
Fusing Congolese guitar and Gambian kora, a fascinating rhythm moved through the crowd. “Bristol, are you ready to party with us?,” vocalist André Espeut exclaimed, telling us that Bristol was Afriquoi’s favourite city in the world. Cheers bubbled through the room.
After classics Kadaushe and Topic it was time for their new single, Can I Know You. This clever blend of drums from their homeland with disco synths creates a sexy new tune, perfect for the dancefloor. Check out a recent remix by London-based Krywald and Farrer below.
The dancing continued and the energy was intoxicating.
I got chatting to a group of people that saw Afriquoi at The Fleece late 2016 and had come back again for a second shot of this beautiful new generation of world music. As I left the venue, I knew why. If you ever get the chance to see Afriquoi live, take it.
Read more: Review: Chineke! Orchestra, St George’s
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
