After overcoming years of project setbacks - a studio break-in, lost tracks & nerve damage to Kobè's hand, the 1st Djungle Bouti Orchestra studio CD Djazz 2.1.4 is being acclaimed as "An audio decoding of African DNA." "A petite epic." "Absolutely amazing." "Djazz 2.1.4" features dance-sweat, head-bopping, heart-swaying gems, available for direct download to your media player at the show, or as a CD with bonus tracks.
Contributors include Burkina Faso's Golden Jembe Award-winner, Amadou Kienou, Ghana's magnificent Elivava (the Angelique Kidjo of Accra) and many of TO's top jazz, R&B & worldbeat musicians. Noteworthy tracks Njolo, Abandzefo, Agamatinga and Koroma and are unmistakably African, neo-traditional, yet uniquely edgy. The sonic landscape is rich with exotic bala & gyil (marimbas), steel pan, blazing djembe drum and guitar solos, over driving drum kit, electric bass guitar and `funky 70s synths.
Kobè formed the revolutionary Djungle Bouti Orchestra in 1989 with Tony Carvalho, Maurice Shadrack, Kwanza Msingwana, Suliman Hasabala & KJAS, supporting the play, "Golden Tale of Jungle Bouti" (on Kobè’s legendary CKLN 88.1 FM“Sounds of Africa” show). JBO consistently wows audiences at major festivals, corporate and special events, with theatrical energy, flavour and intense musicianship, even subbing-in for Akon's dad, Mor Thiam. The orchestra's journey led Kobè to becoming President/ Artistic Director of Music Africa/AfroFest, create Michèzo! festival, co-found Mamaya Toronto Festival, Worlds of Music school and to work major productions for Steven Lewis, CBC & FIFA.
There is a "Djungle Boutiswagg Bag" (limited edition of 21 bags) with a "box set" of JBO "Djazz 2.1.4"; "Live en Bamboo" (live Bamboo club recording), Kobe's "Sesia" solo CD and other selected rare tracks, plus African hair & beauty products from Ghana in-all valued above $50, for $21
$10 show+direct download / $15 w/hard copy CD+ / $21 Boutiswagg
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Djungle Bouti Orchestra was formed about 20years ago to provide music for the live spoken word/ music /radio play, "Golden Tale of Jungle Bouti". GTJB was Kobena Aquaa-Harrison's 1st radio-play, produced as a CKLN 88.1fm Black History Month special broadcast shortly after he'd begun hosting "Sounds of Africa." SoA founders Sam Mensah and Dr. Thaddy Ulzen asked him to stepin while they focussed on a new project, AfroFest. Ulzen would later appoint Kobe as President & Artistic Director of Music Africa.
Original JBO members Kobena & Kojo Aquaa-Harrison (guitar, bass, drums, gyil/marimba, flute, vocals; Tony Carvalho (drum kit) & Maurice Shadrack (keys, bass, trumpet) began playing after high school and were immediately being booked at venues like Harbourfront Centre, Mariposa Festival, Ontario Place, corporate events, clubs, City TV and fundraisers. People were amazed by the dynamic, funk-rock, neo-tradional African sound.
Soon, Kwanza Msingwana (Tanzania), KJAS (Trinidad) and Michael McLarty (Jamaica) were added on percussion and Suliman Hasabala (Sudan) on sax. At this time Aquaa-Harrison renamed JB an orchestra.
The next touring edition featured Tony Rabalau (drum kit), Roger Williams (bass), Joseph Ashong (percussion), Kofi Ackah (percussion) then Isreal Okeafor (percussion), Zelma Badu (vocals & dance), Liziwe Mahashe (vocals & dance), Aron Niyitunga (keys, guitar, bass) and Django (steel pan).
"World beat" wasn't yet a term and there were few venues booking African music, so JBO inaugurated quite a few. JBO played mostly festivals, corporate and special events, even subbing-in for Akon's dad, Mor Thiam as a headliner. As a result, they were relatively 'hidden', but consistently wowed audiences with theatrical energy, flavour and intense musicianship.
The new orchestra is a mix of old & new. Kobe says, "If we told you who was coming, we'd have to charge more"
Location: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Admission: $10 incl digital download. $15 w/bonus track cd.
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