Jabali Afrika

Jabali Afrika is a band formed in Nairobi, Kenya by former members of the Kenyan National Theatre. The band was founded by brothers Justo and Joseck Asikoye, and Victor Elolo, Evan Jumba, and Robert Owino, Peter Mbole, Stephen Wafula, Bernard kapima joining the band later. The band is known for its fusion of rock, reggae, and African percussion. Jabali Afrika got nominated with all one tribe collection for the 2022 Grammy awards for best children’s music category.

Jabali Afrika
OriginKenya
GenresAfro-Rock
Years active1990s–present
MembersJusto Asikoye
Joseck Asikoye<
Past membersStephen Wafula, Robert Owino, Peter Mbole,Victor Tsavani Elolo,Evans Jumba
Websitejabaliafrika.com

Influences and musical style

Inspiration for Jabali Afrika's original musical style came from Fundi Konde and George Mukabi, and the band incorporates customary instruments such as the Mbumbumbu bass drums, the sikuti drum and chivoti flute. Over the years, the band's sound has evolved to incorporate influences from the Grateful Dead, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube and Fela Kuti.[1] The band has also collaborated with several artists including Samba Mapangala,[2] Don cameron, lois mutua and Antonio Carmona of Ketama.[3][4] Interview Tsavani Victor

History

Jabali Afrika began in the early '90s, composed of dancers, singers, and drummers from the Kenyan National Theatre. The band chose its name from the Kiswahili word for "rock," jabali, and included Afrika as a reminder of its heritage. Initially performing traditional Kenyan songs, the group gained the attention of the Kenyan National Talent Search, leading to international tours organized by African Heritage.[5] The band would soon arrive in the United States and based itself in the Pittsburgh region. In 1996, the band gained attention by appearing in an episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, performing the song "Tree, Tree, Tree".[6]

Discography
Studio albums
  • Journey (1996)
  • Remember the Past (1999)
  • Rootsganza (2001)
  • Mayosi (2005)
  • Rebellion 1963 To The Future (2014)
  • Nakumbuka (2017)
  • Hesabu Moja Mbili (2017)
  • Khusaire (2020)
  • Kings and Queens(2023)

References
  1. Obaoye, Adekunle (1 October 2019). "Jabali Foundation Loan Review".
  2. "Mashindani on Spotify". Spotify. 1 January 2017.
  3. "El 'safari' de Antonio Carmona: flamenco y suajili en la sabana de Kenia". 27 January 2021.
  4. "El 'safari' de Antonio Carmona: flamenco y suajili en la sabana de Kenia". 30 October 2019.
  5. "About Us | Jabali Afrika". Archived from the original on 2014-10-12. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  6. "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" 1702: Helping (TV Episode 1996) - IMDb, retrieved 2021-02-14
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